Lingerie chain Ann Summers blamed high taxes and rising costs for its decision to axe jobs.

The high street retailer said that it has made a ‘small number’ of its more than 1,000 workforce redundant. It is understood up to 30 staff were affected, largely at its head office, with employees in its 80 stores thought not to be hit.

Maria Hollins, chief executive, said: ‘All retailers are under significant pressure with continuing high tax and rising costs.

‘We have ambitious plans for growth and are always looking at options to bolster the brand, but we also need to ensure our cost base reflects the challenges of today’s high street.

‘As a result, we have taken action to reduce costs, which unfortunately included making a small number of colleagues redundant.

‘This was not a decision we took lightly.’

It came as the group accepted a £5million loan from Green Street Holdings, which is controlled by the Gold family behind Ann Summers.

Vanessa Gold was appointed chairwoman last year following the death of her sister and Ann Summers founder Jacqueline Gold.