Morrisons Puts Approximately 200 Head Office Jobs at Risk in Restructuring Consultation
The Bradford-based supermarket group Morrisons has initiated a redundancy consultation that places around 200 head office roles under threat. This move is part of a broader restructuring programme aimed at increasing the use of artificial intelligence across its operations.
Consultation Launched Amid AI Expansion Plans
Employees at Morrisons were informed on Monday afternoon about the consultation regarding redundancies. The reductions will impact fewer than 10% of positions at the Hilmore House headquarters in Bradford. This follows a long-term initiative launched last year to transform the company's central business operations.
Morrisons stated that it will focus on core activities, streamline processes and structures, and automate a number of manual tasks. The retailer added that it aims to "capitalise on the potential of data and AI to improve performance" as part of this strategic shift.
Recent Changes and Turnaround Efforts
This restructuring comes approximately a month after Morrisons announced that up to 100 office personnel were at risk due to proposals to merge two divisions responsible for sourcing products for its convenience stores and supermarkets. Last month, the retailer reported further sales growth as it continues to pursue a turnaround under chief executive Rami Baitieh.
Despite the growth, Morrisons acknowledged that it is "tough for customers right now" and pledged further investment in pricing to support shoppers during challenging economic times.
Company Statement and Support for Affected Colleagues
A Morrisons spokesman said: "As we evolve and adapt, we are proposing to make some changes to a number of areas within our central structure. This will involve making some tough but necessary decisions which will impact on colleagues in our head office, where we are proposing to place a number of roles at risk of redundancy."
The spokesman added: "We understand this will be difficult news for these colleagues and will be offering them our full support, including helping them to find alternative roles elsewhere in the business wherever we can. A consultation process with colleagues has now commenced."
The restructuring reflects Morrisons' ongoing efforts to modernise its operations and leverage technology to enhance efficiency and performance in a competitive retail landscape.
