Tesco has announced job cuts of 4,500, mainly across its Metro stores.
The move affects 153 Metro stores and may include those in Broadstairs and Cliftonville.
In a statement issued today (August 5) Tesco says ‘conversations’ have begun with staff about ‘operational changes.’
It adds: “The changes in our Metro stores will be focused on better tailoring them to how our customers shop. The Metro format was originally designed for larger, weekly shops, but today nearly 70% of customers use them as convenience stores, buying food for that day.
“We are therefore simplifying the way we run our Metro stores, with changes including:
- faster and simpler ways of filling shelves, with fewer products stored in back rooms and more stock going straight to the shop floor;
- colleagues working more flexibly across the store to improve customer service at the busiest times of the day and in the right areas of the store; and
- a leaner management structure, as we simplify our ways of working.”
Changes will also be made to 134 Express stores, possibly affecting those including the Ramsgate and Westbrook branches. These will see a slight reduction in opening hours during quieter trading periods at the start and end of the day, and simplifying stock routines.
There will also be changes in some larger stores with streamlining operational routines.
The statement adds: “Our priority now is to support affected colleagues, helping find alternative roles within Tesco for as many as possible. We expect that these changes will lead to an overall reduction of around 4,500 colleagues.”
Jason Tarry, UK & ROI CEO, said: “In a challenging, evolving retail environment, with increasing cost pressures, we have to continue to review the way we run our stores to ensure we reflect the way our customers are shopping and do so in the most efficient way. We do not take any decision which impacts colleagues lightly, but have to make sure we remain relevant for customers and operate a sustainable business now and in the future.”
