Tesco has announced some major changes at its stores which will affect around 2,100 jobs.
The supermarket chain said it will extend changes to store management roles, shut remaining counters and hot delis and close a number of in-store pharmacies as part of the shake-up. Tesco said it is reducing the number of lead and team managers in large shops as part of the changes to its management structure, which will impact around 1,750 workers.
The grocer said the move will also introduce around 1,800 new shift leader roles in stores, leading operational duties on the shop floor. It further added that it will close its remaining counters and hot delis at stores from February 26, having previously removed counters from the majority of shops.
Read More: Over 200 Asda jobs at risk and 4,100 workers face pay cut under shake-up plans
Tesco said all affected workers will be offered alternative roles. It did not say how many staff work on counters and delis.
The retailer also said 350 workers will be impacted by a series of localised changes, such as the closure of eight pharmacies and reduced hours at some in-store post offices. Tesco UK and ROI chief executive officer, Jason Tarry, said: "These are difficult decisions to make, but they are necessary to ensure we remain focused on delivering value for our customers wherever we can, as well as ensuring our store offer reflects what our customers value the most.
"Our priority is to support those colleagues impacted and help find alternative roles within our business from the vacancies and newly created roles we have available."
Daniel Adams, national officer of the Usdaw union, said: "Tesco has informed us that they are looking to undertake restructures across the business. Clearly there is no good time to receive news like this, but it is especially difficult in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis and will be devastating for those who may be affected.
"Usdaw will be entering into collective consultation with Tesco immediately to interrogate these proposals. We will be doing all we can to support members throughout the process with a view to protecting jobs and, where this is not possible, securing the best possible deal for those affected."
Meanwhile, Asda is also looking at a shake-up of its store operations. More than 200 jobs are at risk at Asda and over 4,000 night workers face having their pay reduced, it was announced last week.
Asda is proposing that some overnight restocking shifts at 184 stores are moved to the daytime, putting 211 night shift manager roles at risk. The supermarket said the changes will also affect 4,137 hourly paid workers, who will see shift patterns move to the daytime and lose their night shift pay premium of at least £2.52 per hour.
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