Struggling Michael Hill Jeweller lays off dozens of workers at its global headquarters – after the chain closed down a string of stores last year
- Michael Hill International cut 27 jobs at its headquarters in Murarrie, Brisbane
- Staff said they were unexpectedly told to leave their jobs during pop-up meeting
- Jobs were cut across all of the departments from manufacturing to office admin
- Michael Hill spokesperson said support would be provided to recently axed staff
Michael Hill International has had to let go of nearly 30 of its staff as the jewellery chain continues to make dramatic shakeups to its businesses.
Twenty-seven staff at the chain's global headquarters at Murarrie in Brisbane were handed redundancies this month, The Courier-Mail reported.
Senior management reportedly delivered the news without warning and employees were told to leave during a pop-up meeting.
Michael Hill International has had to let go of nearly 30 of its staff as the jewellery chain continues to make dramatic shakeups to its businesses (stock picture)
Twenty-seven staff at the chain's global headquarters at Murarrie in Brisbane (pictured) were handed redundancies this month
'It was completely out of the blue,' said one staff member who wished to remain anonymous after he was given the axe.
'We were called in and told we didn’t have a job.'
The staff member went on to say knowledge of downsizing was no mystery.
In the past six months, staff had watched contracts for middle-management positions not get renewed.
Though the shocking number of redundancies that were doled out in one day, was something nobody was expecting.
Jobs were cut across all sections, from manufacturing to office admin.
A Michael Hill spokesman confirmed the job loss at the support centre and said that fundamental changes had to happen in a changing market.
Share this article
'It is however necessary that our internal capabilities and structures evolve to support the changing needs of our business and customers, so that we can continue to operate a successful business and provide employment to thousands of people in Australia and globally, and deliver our growth strategy for shareholders,' he said.
The spokesman went on to say the support centre would still play an integral role in the jewellery chain's business model.
He said Michael Hill Jeweller would provide the recently-made jobless staff with ongoing access to EPA, outplacement and other career transitional services.
The job cuts are the latest episode in a long series of cutbacks the jewellery chain has made.
Only in March last year, Michael Hill International announced it would reduce the number of Emma and Roe stores to six and close 24 other brick and mortar outlets.
In the past six months, staff had watched contracts for middle-management positions not get renewed (stock picture)
Only in March last year, Michael Hill International announced it would reduce the number of Emma and Roe stores to six and close 24 other brick and mortar outlets (stock picture)
'The company considers that the six store footprint will provide the opportunity to iterate the new model at speed based on customer insights and operating experience,' Michael Hill said in a statement at the time.
The jewellery chain said it intended to trial this store footprint size up until the end of 2019.
The change was made as Michael Hill chose to capitalise on a 'major opportunity' and concentrate on demi-fine jewellery.
The type of jewellery refers to accessories that look stylish and high-end, but are affordable.
Michael Hill said it was going to reshape the Emma and Roe brand to take advantage of the profitable market.
'The demi-fine segment allows customers with a preference for fine jewellery to achieve their desired look but at a lower price,' Michael Hill said in the statement.
The reduction brought down the 2015 figure of the number of Michael Hill and Emma Roe stores in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and America.
At that time there were 303 stores overall.
Michael Hill said it was going to reshape the Emma and Roe brand to take advantage of the profitable market (pictured, Sir Michael Hill with Michael Hill chair Emma)
Comments 0
Share what you think
No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
