JOBS could be under threat at Crewe's WHSmith branches as the company struggles nationally.

The High Street giant has been hit particularly hard during the national downturn in retail and the company said today that over 1,500 jobs could be cut.

However, there is no indication yet which stores will be affected. As well as their main Victoria Centre store, which houses Crewe Post Office, WHSmith has outlets at Crewe Station and Beswick Drive.

Revenue was down 57 per cent in July compared to this time last year and the company is projected to make a loss of over £70 million from the year to August.

This loss of revenue is being put down to a hugely decreased number of customers due to coronavirus restrictions.

WHSmith group chief executive Carl Cowling said: "In our travel business, while we are beginning to see early signs of recovery in some of our markets, the speed of recovery continues to be slow.

"At the same time, while there has been some progress in our high street business, it does continue to be adversely affected by low levels of footfall.

"As a result, we now need to take further action to reduce costs across our businesses.

"I regret that this will have an impact on a significant number of colleagues whose roles will be affected by these necessary actions and we will do everything we can to support them at this challenging time."