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Sainsbury’s has announced that it will reduce the number of roles across the business by approximately 1,500 as part of its ‘Save and Invest to Win’ programme.
The news comes as the supermarket has outlined proposals that aim to adapt the business’ strategy earlier in February.
According to the proposals, the retailer will be simplifying its store support centre structure, creating more efficient contact centre operations, consolidating its general merchandise fulfilment network and improving its bakery offer and availability in some stores.
To ensure it has the right expert support to deliver its new strategy and streamline some senior leadership structures, changes have been proposed to teams including retail, transformation, HR, supply chain and logistics.
In addition, the retailer has looked at where it can work more effectively with third party partners and has proposed to colleagues in its Widnes contact centre yesterday (29 February) that all its careline services will now be run through an existing partner.
Sainsbury’s has stated that the vast majority of colleagues affected will transfer to its service partner, which is a major employer and “offers a range of career and redeployment opportunities”.
Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury’s, said: “Our Next Level Sainsbury’s strategy is about giving customers more of what they come to Sainsbury’s for – outstanding value, unbeatable quality food and great service. One of the ways we’re going to deliver on this promise is through our Save and Invest to Win programme.
“As we move into the next phase of our strategy, we are making some difficult, but necessary decisions. 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.”
He added: “I know today’s news is unsettling for affected colleagues and we will do everything we can to support them.”
