Tesco to cut 4,500 jobs at its Metro stores
Tesco has announced plans to cut around 4,500 jobs at its Tesco Metro stores as it looks to “serve shoppers better” in what it describes as an increasingly competitive and challenging retail environment.
Tesco operates 153 Tesco Metro stores, which are mainly situated in high streets.
In a statement, the company said it will be streamlining the stores’ processes and administrative tasks. Plans include introducing faster and simpler ways of filling shelves, a leaner management structure and more flexible working for store staff.
It also highlighted how the stores had originally been designed for large weekly shops, but that 70% of customers now use them as convenience stores for smaller shopping trips.
The company is also planning to make changes in 134 of its 1,750 Express stores. These will include reducing opening hours during quieter trading periods at the start and end of the day, and simplifying stock routines.
In addition, there will be localised changes in some large stores where Tesco will streamline operational routines.
Tesco said it is now working to support affected staff and will look to find alternative roles within the business for as many as possible.
Jason Tarry, Tesco UK & ROI chief executive, 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.”
