Will Boots be cutting more jobs?

The bulk of the job losses are expected to be seen at the firm's Nottingham headquarters, which saw 500 jobs go last year.

The firm is currently undergoing a restructuring exercise aimed at saving more than �100m over three years.

In a statement, Boots said it would "not respond to speculation" on what the cost-cutting strategy would involve.

Boots is currently facing fierce competition from cut-price rivals and from the supermarket sector

As supermarkets expand their non-food ranges, High Street stalwarts such as Boots have found themselves under increasing pressure.

Last week, Tesco announced a �70m price-cutting campaign aimed particularly at health and beauty products.

Shaping up

Boots cut 500 jobs at its head office in Nottingham last year, and Sunday press reports said the firm's headquarters would also see the bulk of the new job cuts.

When we have something to say we will talk to our people first Boots statement

The job losses are expected to be confirmed on Friday, when the firm is due to give a Christmas trading update.

In a statement on Boots' website, the firm said that its 'Getting in Shape' restructuring initiative had begun.

"We have been open with our people that there would be more changes this financial year over and above those already under way," the firm said.

"We will not respond to speculation on what may or may not be involved in these changes, as decisions have not been finalised.