Keep up with Armagh i

No Covid-19 deaths in a week in NI as major UK retailer Boots looks to cut 4,000 jobs

There has been no Covid-19 deaths reported in Northern Ireland for seven days, according to the Department of Health.

It keeps the death total at 554, with the last fatality recorded on July 2.

In the last 24 hours there have been three positive cases recorded, bringing the total to 5,768.

Meanwhile, the economic impact of the coronavirus is really beginning to bite with John Lewis and Boots announcing 5,300 job cuts.

Boots has said 4,000 jobs will go with plans to restructure head office and store teams and shut 48 Boots Opticians stores.

It comes less on the back of Chancellor Rishi Sunak saying the government was “throwing everything” at stemming job losses with a £30bn stimulus package.

The move casts doubts over the future of the store in Craigavon’s Rushmere Shopping centre.

It remains unclear whether stores in Armagh, Banbridge, Markethill, Newry and Portadown will be affected by the announcement.

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Most read today

NEWRY – SHOP LOCAL

More in Northern Ireland