Asda is introducing a major change in the way its supermarkets operate and jobs are at risk. Staff at the green and white chain have been told their jobs are at risk in an attempt to save costs and help customers pay less for groceries.
An Asda spokesperson described the changes as key to “making Asda the UK’s best value full-service supermarket”.
How many roles to be axed remains to be seen but Asda has confirmed cuts are being made and those on the line have been informed. The idea, according to Asda, is to simplify store management by merging key leadership positions.
But it’s not all job losses for Asda, at least not for its largest supermarkets where new operations managers will be brought in. Reporting directly to them will be either the former section manager or trading manager, dependent on who survives the axe.
The Grocer reports Asda Express stores will be exempt from this wave of redundancies.
An Asda spokesperson told The Grocer: “We’re focused on making Asda the UK’s best value full-service supermarket by providing customers with an outstanding experience every time they shop, and having the right store leadership structure in place is key to delivering this.
“The investment in this new structure brings decision-making closer to the shop floor, and our customers, by clarifying roles and providing clear accountabilities.
“It also creates more opportunities for colleagues to develop their careers and progress into store management roles, with a significant number of immediate promotions confirmed today. We will be offering our full support to other colleagues impacted by the changes.”
Selling the restructure for staff wearing rose-tinted glasses, Asda predicts a tidy payrise tied in with promotions for around 20% of its store management team who make it to the other side.
Asda chair Allan Leighton is on a mission to save the business from a downward spiral and cement its place as the UK’s best value supermarket.
A couple of years ago, Tesco took a similar approach in getting rid of 1,750 lead and team manager roles at its larger and Extra superstores.
