Marks and Spencer is cutting thousands of jobs

The retail giant, which has stores in Wakefield, Halifax, Birstall, Pontefract and Castleford has taken the step after instore sales took a hit.

M&S revealed total sales in its hard-hit clothing and home arm plunged 29.9 per cent in the eight weeks since shops reopened, with store sales tumbling 47.9 per cent and online surging 39.2 per cent.

It said sales declines were improving but that it was "clear that there has been a material shift in trade".

"Whilst it is too early to predict with precision where a new post-Covid sales mix will settle, we must act now to reflect this change," it said.

Chief executive Steve Rowe added: "As part of our Never The Same Again programme to embed the positive changes in ways of working through the crisis, we are today announcing proposals to further streamline store operations and management structures.

"These proposals are an important step in becoming a leaner, faster business set up to serve changing customer needs and we are committed to supporting colleagues through this time."