Retail giant Marks and Spencer has announced it is looking to cut about 7,000 jobs.

The announcement was made as the business prepares to "accelerate transformation" and make the firm stronger.

There are several stores in Kent, including branches in Sittingbourne, Whitstable, Hempstead Valley, Chatham and Lenham.

Other shops are in Westwood Cross, Margate, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone, Ashford, Strood, Dartford, Holborough Aylesford and Bluewater.

The consultation will take place over the next three months.

A Marks and Spencer spokesman said jobs are expected to be axed from its central support centre, in regional management and in UK stores.

Chief executive Steve Rowe said: "In May we outlined our plans to learn from the crisis, accelerate our transformation and deliver a stronger, more agile business in a world in which some customer habits were changed forever.

"These proposals are an important step in becoming a leaner, faster business..."

"Three months on and our Never the Same Again programme is progressing; albeit the outlook is uncertain and we remain cautious.

"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."

Last week the firm welcomed customers to its new store in Eclipse Park, Maidstone.

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

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

When asked which stores in Kent will be affected, the firm did not comment.

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