THOUSANDS of job losses have been announced as Debenhams battles to save its presence on the high street.

The retailer says 2,500 positions are to go across the country.

It follows the company going into administration for the second time in 12 months earlier this year.

The future of its four stores in Sussex, including a flagship store at Churchill Square in Brighton, is not yet clear.

Debenhams said no new store closures are currently planned, after closing 19 in January with 28 more to follow.

The retailer also has stores at Crawley, Worthing and Hastings and was already struggling to survive on our high streets before the coronavirus pandemic.

Now bosses say they have been forced to make “difficult decisions” following harsh trading conditions.