A HOSPICE is making redundancies as it shakes up the way its shops and warehouse are run.

The Martlets in Hove will not say how many positions will be lost but says it hopes people affected will move into new job roles being created as part of the changes.

The hospice, based in Wayfield Avenue, has eight shops across Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas, plus a furniture warehouse selling larger goods.

Its plans include extending trading hours, investing in refurbishments and developing its central warehouse in Hove to make stock handling more efficient.

The aim is to ensure the hospice’s retail business grows and becomes more profitable in a bid to generate as much money as possible for the care it provides.

The charity is also actively looking for a new shop in the Western Road area to replace a recently closed store.

It also hopes to open more shops in the future.

The changes mean 23 new full and part-time roles will be created, with jobs available in management and in its shops and warehouse.

All staff will be given the chance to apply for the new roles before they are offered to the external job market.

No volunteer posts have been affected by the planned changes.

Chief executive Imelda Glackin said: “ For Martlets, this is a real opportunity to grow our retail operation.

“We know we can be more efficient so that we can raise more money to support more patients and their families.

“We’ve been consulting closely with all our staff to minimise redundancies and I’m hopeful that many staff will apply for the new roles.”

The new structure will also lead to an increase in wages, with all staff paid above the Brighton Living wage.

Ms Glackin said none of the hospice’s services was at risk and there are no plans to change the care it provides.

The hospice is not part of the NHS and relies on the support of the community.