Makro begins talks to cut up to 135 jobs

Makro has become the ­second wholesaler in as many weeks to announce redundancy plans.

The cash & carry wholesaler told staff last week that up to 135 jobs could be affected in HR, admin and four in-store coffee shops.

MD Hannes Floto confirmed to The Grocer that it was currently consulting with union Usdaw on the proposals in a bid to "return Makro to its former position of strength".

"As a result of our strategic refocus away from an 'all things to all businesses' approach to one that focuses on the catering professional, we're reviewing the need for traditional refreshment facilities in all of our stores. This means that four of the in-store cafés are part of the consultation," he added.

Floto added that the wholesaler was continuing to invest in new specialist roles and had recently established a nationwide sales force of almost 200, as well as making head ­office appointments.

In November, The Grocer revealed Makro made a loss of £44.7m in the year to 31 December 2009, widening from £26.7m the year ­before. Sales fell 3.5% to £868m.

Last week, Parfetts started a consultation on up to 76 redundancies across its six depots claiming they were overstaffed.

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