Wilko opens redundancy consultation process amid 'uncertain' events

Thousands of jobs at retailer Wilko are at risk after the firm confirmed it has entered redundancy consultation with nearly 4,000 staff, weeks after bemoaning a rise in costs as a result of the pound's Brexit-induced collapse.
Wilko said it is consulting with 3,900 of its store supervisory teamWilko said it is consulting with 3,900 of its store supervisory team
Wilko said it is consulting with 3,900 of its store supervisory team

The discount chain said, following a review of its operating functions, changes are required to "ensure it is best placed to continue to thrive within an ever-changing retail landscape".

Wilko said it is consulting with 3,900 of its store supervisory team about a new management structure, alongside trade union the GMB.

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It added that 1,000 new senior supervisor roles will be created as part of the shake-up, as well as a "significant amount" of customer service roles.

The move comes after Wilko posted an 80% plunge in pre-tax profits to £5.1 million in the year to January 28, with the firm pointing to "uncertain economic and geopolitical events", the collapse in sterling and the introduction of the national living wage.

Inflation, which has soared since the Brexit vote sent the British currency tumbling, hit its highest level for nearly four years in May at 2.9%, before easing back to 2.6%.

The net result has been an increase in import costs for retailers, who have then passed this on to already hardpressed consumers.

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Anthony Houghton, Wilko's retail director, said: "Despite the challenging retail landscape Wilko has seen both positive customer numbers and like-for-like sales growth this year.

"This is not translating into positive results despite all the hard work to reduce costs, grow own-brand and digital sales.

"Following independent studies we identified a legacy of retail structures that created complexity to manage which aren't simple, fair or transparent for our team members.

"The simpler newly defined store structure will give teams greater variety within their roles and result in more team hours on the shop floor, delivering a better customer experience."

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The announcement comes following similar moves at other retailers.

Tesco said earlier this year it is taking the axe to 1,200 jobs at its head office as part of a major cost-cutting drive.

Sainsbury's and Asda have followed suit, with reports suggesting over a 1,000 jobs are on the line at the supermarkets.