THE MARTLETS hospice is expected to make workers redundant in their charity shops and warehouse.

The hospice care charity said they had seen a downturn in profits in its eight shops, while costs have increased, and launched a 30-day consultation with shopworkers who are likely to be at risk.

The redundancies are set to come after a review of their trading business concluded they needed to re-organise the staffing structure.

It is understood staff were told of the plans in an email earlier this week.

It read: “Our income in trading has seen a decline in recent years while costs have continued to rise - resulting in a downturn in profits.

“We need to re-organise the staffing structure which is likely to result in some redundancies in our shops and the warehouse - but also in several new roles.”

Speaking to The Argus charity bosses insisted they are not cutting costs but are investing in the future.

Martlets CEO Imelda Glackin said: “Profit in our shops has been falling over the last two years and we know we have a responsibility to ensure we raise as much money as we can to care for local patients and families using Martlets Hospice services.

“That’s why we’re changing the way we work in our shops; we’re not cutting costs but we know we can and need to raise more income for the hospice.

“We are investing in areas where we can support growth and are driving efficiencies in our distribution processes.”

The charity said volunteer staff will not be cut and insisted its eight shops will remain open, with plans to open a new shop.

Ms Glackin added: “I’d like to reassure readers of The Argus that these changes will not affect the care services Martlets provides in any way.

“We’re confident that these changes will help us raise more money for life changing hospice care in Brighton & Hove.”

Last financial year the charity made £1.8 million from its trading arm.

Over 25,000 people have been supported since 1997 by the charity who help people with a terminal illness in and around Brighton and Hove.

Earlier this month it was announced that the Martlets’ shop in Western Road, Brighton, is closing but that was due to the landlords seeking alternative use for the premises.

The charity said that it would look to reopen elsewhere.