Sainsbury’s has announced plans to cut around 1,500 jobs as part of efforts to reduce costs by £1 billion over the next three years.
The business said that it would cut roles in its contact centre in Widnes, in Cheshire, at its in-store bakeries and a few at local fulfilment centres.
Chief executive Simon Roberts said: ‘As we move into the next phase of our strategy, we are making some difficult, but necessary decisions.
‘I know today’s news is unsettling for affected colleagues and we will do everything we can to support them.’
The supermarket giant, who employ around 152,000 people said the lay-offs will be subject to consultation, and that the money it saves will be reinvested into the business to give customers ‘great value, quality and service.’
Chief executive Simon Roberts (pictured June 27 2022). Sainsbury’s has announced plans to cut around 1,500 jobs as part of efforts to reduce costs by £1 billion over the next three years
Sainsbury’s said it had proposed to colleagues in its Widnes contact centre, who operate the all its Careline service, that they should transfer to an existing partner.
It also plans to move more of its shops ‘to a more efficient way of freshly baking products’.
‘As a result, the supermarket will be conducting a consultancy process with bakers in these stores.
‘Sainsbury’s has reassured affected colleagues that it will find alternative roles for them where possible, as it will for any colleague affected by changes proposed today.’
Investment in technology and automation will also mean that the retailer will need fewer local fulfilment centres.
A ‘very small proportion’ of staff will be impacted and could be helped to find new roles where possible.
Mr Roberts said: ‘The proposals we’ve been talking to teams about today are important to ensure we’re better set up to focus on the things that create a real impact for our customers, delivering good food for all of us and building a platform for growth.’
