Boots is aiming to save £100m a year by scrapping some of the perks for its retired staff.
Those being scrapped include retired employee outings, Christmas cards and the tradition of sending flowers when ex-employees reach the age of 100.
The cuts were made following “much soul-searching and deliberation,” said group personnel director Michael Ruddell.
Union Usdaw accused Boots of being mean-spirited, although retired staff will still receive a 22 per cent discount.
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By Paul Nelson