Supermarket giant Tesco is planning to axe 4,500 workers under its latest cost-cutting drive.
Most of the job losses will hit its 153 Metro stores and 134 of its 1,750 Express sites – with some staff also affected in the chain’s larger outlets.
And the blow comes as a union said rival Asda is threatening 60,000 workers with the sack unless they sign “punishing” new contracts forcing them to work bank holidays – and not paying them for breaks.
Tesco said it wants to “simplify and reduce process and administrative tasks” in Metro stores, which are bigger than Expresses.
The company said: “The Metro format was designed for larger weekly shops but today 70% use them as convenience stores.”
Changes in Express stores will include a reduction in opening hours.
Pauline Foulkes, of union Usdaw, said: “Our members are shocked and dismayed by yet another round of potential job losses, coming just months after 9,000 staff were put at risk in stores.
“This issue is not confined to Tesco, our high streets are in crisis, with jobs being lost due to shops closing, retailers folding and businesses engaging in significant restructuring to survive.
“We need the Government to address the worries and concerns of shopworkers.”
Jason Tarry, Tesco’s UK chief executive, said: “We do not take any decision which impacts colleagues lightly but have to remain relevant for customers and operate a sustainable business.”
In 2016, Tesco set out a plan to reduce operating costs by £1.5billion over three years. Earlier this year, it revealed it would cut up to 9,000 staff.
Meanwhile, the GMB union said Asda workers are being ordered to sign up to a new flexible contract – which pays £9 per hour and was previously voluntary – or lose their jobs.
Most earn around £8 an hour at present but in a recent ballot, 93% told GMB they did not agree with the changes.
The union’s Gary Carter said: “It’s a total outrage.
“Asda is a multi-billion pound company, it doesn’t need to bully staff out of their hard-won terms and conditions.”
Asda admitted 5% of staff will be worse off but said they would get “transitional payments” for up to 18 months.
A spokesman said while bank holidays will be compulsory, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day will remain voluntary and be paid at double time.
