Barratt to slash workforce by 1,000 and close two divisions

Barratt has announced it will slash its staff by 1,000 and close two divisional offices as it battles the housing downturn.

The major housebuilder said its two divisional offices in Chester and Sheffield would close and eight other offices be merged into four.

It aims to slash its 32 divisional offices to 26.

Job losses are expected to come after a 30-day consultation period and changes will be decided on an “office to office” basis.

A Barratt spokesman said the reduction in head count would occur across the business but it would aim to retain its core skills.

The spokesman said the reshaping plan came at a strategic time.

“Barratt is the only major housebuilder whose financial year ends at the end of June,” he said.

“It is a natural point to reshape the business for the coming year.”

He said the changes reflected a need to manage overheads in light of the current market conditions.