Tesco makes changes to stores risking 2,100 jobs

No comments

Tesco is planning a raft of changes to stores, including closing its remaining counter services and reducing store manager numbers.

Tesco bicster

The retailer is also set to close the remainder of its counter and hot deli services from February 26 and make a “small number of other localised changes”

Tesco has announced plans to cut the number of team and lead managers in its superstores, impacting 1,750 workers.

The retailer plans to instead introduce around 1,800 shift-leader roles, responsible for leading the day-to-day operational duties on the shop floor, and realigning manager roles to focus on overall store performance, making the job more equal across its estate.

Workers impacted by the changes will be offered the option of moving into shift leader vacancies with financial support or taking redundancy.

The retailer is also set to close the remainder of its counter and hot deli services from February 26 and make a “small number of other localised changes”.

The changes, which could impact a further 350 jobs, include the closure of eight pharmacies, moving overnight roles to the daytime in 12 stores, reducing hours within some Post Offices, removing a small number of HQ roles and closing an operating centre in Milton Keynes.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We continually review the way we operate to make sure we are meeting customers’ needs and supporting colleagues in a sustainable way. This means doing more of what works and stopping or simplifying where we need to so that we’re running our business as efficiently as possible.

“This also means making some difficult but necessary decisions, but will ensure we can continue to invest in the things that matter most for our customers and business.”

Paperchase acquisition

The announcement comes as rumours swirl of Tesco’s plan to snap up embattled stationery retailer Paperchase.

Sky News has this morning (January 31) reported that the retailer was close to buying the high street chain’s brand in a pre-pack administration deal which would leave its employees and stores facing an uncertain future.

According to the report sources say Tesco would be unlikely to take any of Paperchase’s 100 stores, meaning most of the 1,000-strong workforce would face losing their jobs.