Up to 50 jobs could be lost at Nisa’s head office.
Redundancy consultations have begun across the central functions operated from the long-standing Scunthorpe base.
The specialist delivered wholesaler to the convenience sector has told how it is looking to reduce costs to better support its shop-owning partners and their customer base.
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Nisa was bought out by The Co-operative in 2018, with the past year seeing the 353 employees at the purpose built Waldo Way facility transfer to the Manchester-headquartered retail giant.
A spokesperson for Nisa said: “We are carrying out a review to lower our costs, in order to offer greater support to our partners and their customers during the current cost of living crisis. Unfortunately, the review will include a consultation on potential redundancy for some employees.
“We recognise this is a difficult time for so many and we are seeking to approach the review accordingly, while recognising the realities of the current economic climate.”
One in seven jobs is at risk, and it comes just days after 2021’s annual results were released.
It saw sales drop almost 14 per cent from a record £1.6 billion to £1.38 billion after exceptional trading through Covid, slightly down on 2019’s £1.42 billion - before lockdown measures changed shopping patterns. Profits were down from £10.9 million to £7.5 million.
The year started with chief executive Ken Towle departing for Asda, with Co-op's chief commercial officer Michael Fletcher taking the role, having been a key figure in the acquisition. Experienced executive, sales director Steve Leach, also left this spring, having spent eight years with the business. He stated he was taking some time out ahead of seeking a senior role that will enable him to "step up to new leadership challenges".
Nisa supplies almost 5,000 stores operated by more than 1,400 members, from corner shops to forecourts and large destination outlets. It launched 45 years ago to help counter the rise of the major supermarkets' buying power over small independents.
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