Hundreds of job cuts expected across Bunnings chain

The hardware retailer – and major employer of tens of thousands of Aussies – is expected to make some tough calls on jobs.

Hardware giant Bunnings is reportedly preparing to cut up to 300 jobs.

The Australian reports up to 300 jobs in training, communications and support services could be on the chopping block, with a round of redundancies forecast for its head office and national support centre.

However, it is understood Bunnings disputes the reported figure.

Sources reportedly told The Australian the cuts could come through “attrition and not filling vacant roles” in the coming weeks and months.

News.com.au understands ‘frontline’ store workers will not be impacted.

It comes amid a post-Covid review into its structure and support centre resourcing.

The hardware chain recently restructured its communications and learning and development teams in a move towards digitising training, human resources and skills development programs.

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Bunnings cuts could come through “attrition and not filling vacant roles” in the coming weeks and months.

Australian retailers across the board are preparing for significant economic headwinds in the coming months as rising interest rates, cost of living pressure and stresses on household budgets impact consumers’ spending power.

Economists predict consumer spending to slow significantly as early as January.

Bunnings, owned by Wesfarmers, is one of the nation’s largest retailers and employs roughly 53,000 Australians – with about 1600 working at its Melbourne head office.

According to The Australian’s sources, Bunnings would first try to redeploy those impacted across the group, keeping the proportion of staff leaving the business low.

News.com.au contacted Bunnings for comment.