John Lewis chairman Sharon White has hinted that job losses are looming despite hopes of a return to profits

John Lewis chairman Sharon White hinted that job losses are looming despite hopes of a return to profits this week.

The outgoing boss did not rule them out when asked if they were part of her plans for “pretty bold changes.”

“We’re trying to simplify the way we work so that our great partners have more time for customers,” she told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg yesterday.

“I’m hopeful, we’re making progress,” she said ahead of Thursday’s figures, which were expected to return to profit after cuts.