Tesco restructure will put 1,600 jobs at risk, says shop workers union

The union will now go into consultation talks with Tesco after the company announced a restructure of its night shift operations.

This follows the closure of just more than half of their in-store counter services and the Jack’s store format, which the union claims could put about 1,600 jobs at risk in total.

Usdaw national officer Daniel Adams said: “We should not forget the role key workers have played throughout the coronavirus pandemic and to receive this news is devastating.

“Usdaw will do all we can to support members throughout the process and we will fully engage in consultation with the business with a view to protecting jobs and, where this is not possible, securing the best possible deal for those affected.”

Jason Tarry, Tesco’s chief executive in the UK and Ireland, said: “We operate in a highly competitive and fast-paced market and our customers are shopping differently, especially since the start of the pandemic.

“We are always looking at how we can run our business as simply and efficiently as possible, so that we can re-invest in the things that matter most to customers.

“The changes we are announcing today will help us do this.

“Our priority now is to support our impacted colleagues through these changes and, wherever possible, find them alternative roles within our business.”