More than 25 members of staff at a Tesco Metro store in Inverness have been selected for redundancy or a move following a shake-up of how operations are carried out by the supermarket giant.
Just shy of one-third of the staff of the King Street store were informed of their selection to be made redundant at the end of last week, with the supermarket giant advertising vacancies at other stores nearby should they satisfy the needs of workers.
However, according to one worker, there are not enough posts to fill the void of those earmarked for the chop, with some unable to commit to the requirements of the advertised jobs due to an array of circumstances such as childcare commitments and holding other posts.
Some of the 25 plus staff who have been selected for redundancy have been based at the store since as far back as when it was run as William Low’s supermarket.
The decision comes as bosses of Tesco completely overhaul its Metro brand, reducing staff numbers in senior positions as well as regular workers, in a bid to enhance the operation it delivers.
However, some staff have now hit out at the organisation, expressing their sadness at the decision, adding that “you are made to feel like you are just a number”.
Staff at the Inverness store, where there are approximately 90 workers, have expressed concern at the job losses and the implications it will bring, with many of those who are set for departure combining their role at the supermarket with other part-time roles or by undertaking further educational courses.
One worker, who wished not to be named, told the Press and Journal that the decision will have “disastrous” effects of the levels of customer service delivered.
They said: “You are made to feel like you are just a number.
“It is upsetting and disappointing. It’s a big chunk to lose alongside working part-time elsewhere.
“They really have restructured the staffing and are scaling back the operation. You are just a number and I am afraid this seems to be the pattern in retail.
“They want to be the same as Aldi and Lidl.”
They added: “I will miss some of my customers, I really will. Some customers come back for the customer experience and it allows you to develop friendships and strong relationships.
“There is a lot of people who are very unhappy with the way the situation has developed.”
Other staff members who have not been selected for redundancy have had their hours reduced by the supermarket giant.
A Tesco spokesman said they could not comment on specific stores that would be affected.
Jason Tarry, Tesco’s chief executive, added: “In a challenging, evolving retail environment, with increasing cost pressures, we have to continue to review the way we run our stores to ensure we reflect the way our customers are shopping and do so in the most efficient way.
“We do not take any decision which impacts colleagues lightly, but have to make sure we remain relevant for customers and operate a sustainable business now and in the future.”
Redundancy for those who are unable to relocate to alternative positions will be implemented at the end of September.
