Mothercare is to axe around 200 jobs at its head office in Watford.

The retailer, which specialises in clothes for expectant mothers, as well as babies and toddlers, reportedly needs to meet a £19m cost-savings target which was outlined in a rescue plan earlier this year.

However, 50 new roles are set to be created within the company.

Situated in Cherry Tree Road, Mothercare announced earlier this year that it would be shutting around 50-60 stores.

A spokesperson for Mothercare said: “We have been communicating with our staff regarding the next stage of Mothercare’s transformation to ensure we have a sustainable, global brand which can be the leading global specialist for parents and young children.

“This follows the comprehensive measures taken in recent months to provide a renewed and stable financial structure for the group.”

Mothercare has a store in Watford Arches Retail Park.