ONE hundred people will potentially lose their jobs after a nationwide car retailer confirmed it would close its Worcester site.

Cazoo's preparation centre in Norton will shut after the firm announced it was slashing its workforce by 15 per cent in an effort to cut costs.

A Cazoo spokesperson said: “Yes, unfortunately, we plan to close this site as part of our revised business plan in the current economic climate.

“Approximately 100 people will be impacted by this.”

Worcester News: The Norton site was purchased from SMH Fleet Solutions last yearThe Norton site was purchased from SMH Fleet Solutions last year

READ MORE: Fears for 80 jobs in Worcester as Cazoo announces major cuts to workforce

The Preparation Centre, on Church Lane, was taken over by Cazoo last year when the firm acquired SMH Fleet Solutions.

An employee at the site, who didn’t wish to be named, said staff were told of the decision on Tuesday morning.

He added that when SMH Fleet Solutions was purchased by Cazoo, staff were assured they would not lose their jobs as a result.

The Cazoo spokesperson added: "We no longer currently require the capacity of all 10 vehicle preparation sites we have in the UK that we inherited when we acquired certain businesses, so have chosen to close two of them.”

Across the UK and Germany, Cazoo is to axe around 750 jobs as the retailer looks to cut costs by more than £200 million by the end of 2023.

The company, founded two and a half years ago, has seen online car sales dwindle as pandemic restrictions have been lifted, with used car dealer Carzam collapsing late last week.

The firm said it will also lower marketing spend and push back some planned investment projects, among other cost-cutting measures.

Currently, Cazoo sponsors a range of sports clubs and events such as Aston Villa, The Jockey Club, the Professional Darts Corporation, and the World Snooker Tour.

Founder and chief executive Alex Chesterman said: “The combination of rising inflation and interest rates with supply chain issues caused by the pandemic and war has driven up the cost of living and hit consumer confidence.

“This perfect storm has placed cash conservation top of mind for the company, ahead of growth.”