Sainsbury's restructuring puts 'hundreds of jobs at risk'

The creation of a new management role at supermarket chain Sainsbury’s could put hundreds of jobs at risk, according to Britain’s biggest trade union.

Sainsbury’s said on Tuesday that it was getting rid of the store trainer role currently held by 870 employees. Instead, the group will introduce around 280 learning and development management positions and give current store trainers the chance to apply for new senior roles.

Unite expressed “severe disappointment” that Sainsbury’s could axe up to 850 staff, just days after it agreed to spend £1.4bn acquiring Argos owner Home Retail Group.

Unite, which has more than 14,000 members at Sainsbury’s, said it would campaign hard to reduce the number of compulsory redundancies which will be amongst store trainers and those working nightshift operations.

Unite national officer for food and drink Julia Long said: “This is very bad news for those dedicated workers affected by the planned job losses and Unite will be giving our members maximum support at this difficult time.

“We are severely disappointed as Sainsbury’s seems to have deep pockets when it wants as it has just forked out £1.4bn to purchase the Home Retail Group.

“We appreciate that Sainsbury’s has a good record of redeployment of staff in these situations and we will be exploring every avenue to ensure continuing employment for our members.

Unite is now entering the 45-day consultation period and will be having meetings with management.

At 1415 BST, Sainsbury’s shares were up 0.1% to 277.20p.