Morrisons Slashes 365 Jobs in Major UK Store Cuts
Morrisons has unveiled a bombshell plan to shut down 52 in-store cafés, 17 convenience stores, and a raft of specialist services across the UK. The shake-up, announced on March 24, puts 365 jobs at serious risk as CEO Rami Baitieh vows to transform the supermarket giant’s fortunes.
Major Store Closures Across England, Scotland, and Wales
The axe is falling not just on cafés but also on all 18 Market Kitchens, 13 florists, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters, and 4 pharmacies. Key locations hit include:
- London: Queensbury, Erith, Wood Green, Stratford, Sidcup
- Leeds: Swinnow Road, Horsforth
- West Yorkshire: Bradford, Elland
- Scotland: Paisley, Bellshill, East Kilbride, Glasgow, Helensburgh
- Wales: Caernarfon, Connah’s Quay, Brecon
- Also Gloucester, High Wycombe, Leighton Buzzard" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Leighton Buzzard, Mansfield, Bromsgrove, and Great Park in Tyne and Wear
Seventeen convenience stores are also closing, including branches in Peebles, Stewarton, Poole, Romsey, Tonbridge, Wokingham, Exeter, Bath, Selsdon (London), Woking (Surrey), and scattered locations in Devon, Somerset, Kent, and Essex.
CEO Explains: ‘Focus on What Customers Really Value’
“The changes we are announcing today are a necessary part of our plans to renew and reinvigorate Morrisons and enable us to focus our investment into the areas that customers really value and that can play a full part in our growth,” said CEO Rami Baitieh.
While 365 jobs are under threat, the supermarket insists the majority of affected staff will be redeployed within the business.
Industry Rally and Staff Support Campaigns Kick Off
This latest round of cuts follows last year’s axing of over 200 head office roles in recruitment, payroll, and employee engagement. The UK grocery sector faces fierce competition from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Aldi, all hustling to trim costs and expand.
Retail expert Clive Black of Shore Capital said: “Morrisons is taking decisive, if difficult, steps to streamline operations in line with modern consumer demands. While closures are painful, this could pave the way for more strategic reinvestment.”
Trade unions are calling on Morrisons to guarantee fair treatment and re-employment offers for staff hit by the closures. Those affected are currently consulting with management as the company vows to explore alternative roles wherever possible.
