Tesco has revealed that hundreds of roles in its business are at risk of redundancy due to operational changes in its stores, including the removal of night shifts to restock shelves.
The retailer stated that it had found that by moving overnight stock replenishment to daytime trading hours, it was able to have more staff available on the shop floor to help its customers at peak times. As a result, it is moving its overnight stock replenishment into the daytime in 36 large stores and 49 convenience stores. In 36 stores, Tesco will also convert its petrol stations to be pay-at-pump only during overnight hours.
Combined with the 130 jobs put at risk by the closure of its Jack’s discount chain, around 1,600 Tesco staff are facing redundancy. However, the group stressed that it hoped to offer alternative roles to as many of the affected staff as possible, with it currently having around 3,000 vacancies in the business.
“We operate in a highly competitive and fast-paced market and our customers are shopping differently, especially since the start of the pandemic,” said Jason Tarry, Tesco’s UK & Ireland Chief Executive.
“We are always looking at how we can run our business as simply and efficiently as possible, so that we can re-invest in the things that matter most to customers. The changes we are announcing today will help us do this.”
NAM Implications:
- Perhaps for Tesco, like most other retailers…
- …the New Norm is about reducing over-capacity as businesses transition to online.
- i.e. an excuse/opportunity for a great ‘clear-out’…
- …while ’hangers-on’ slowly succumb to market realities.
