Summary
The CEO of Buy It Direct, a large UK online retailer, expects to reduce the company's workforce by two-thirds in the next three years due to automation and AI. This is partly driven by increased costs from UK government taxes. The company plans to replace many roles with technology and hire more senior positions abroad.
Key Facts
- Buy It Direct's CEO predicts cutting two-thirds of its workforce within three years.
- The company employs over 800 people, and more than 500 jobs may be impacted.
- The changes are driven by higher national living wages and national insurance costs.
- The company operates brands like Appliances Direct and Furniture 123.
- Automation and AI will replace roles in both offices and warehouses.
- Buy It Direct is hiring more senior positions outside the UK due to cost savings.
- The business has global operations, including a customer service center in the Philippines.
