Morrisons is on the verge of restructuring its in-store management teams - a move that could result in up to 2,000 job losses, The Grocer understands.

The retailer announced last year that it was trialling different management structures at several of its newer stores. However, it is yet to share details of how these trials have gone with staff or what lessons it plans to apply throughout the wider estate.

It is understood that deputy, duty and category manager roles could be affected, with the creation of new team leader roles a likely option.

Press speculation this week suggests that a consultation could be announced in the next two weeks. The move echoes similar moves recently by Asda and Tesco.

Staff have become increasingly concerned about the plans. They have been posting comments on a Morrisons employee forum since January, which reflect a growing frustration at the lack of information from senior management.

“Well at least now it has made it to the press, I guess we will find out about it sooner rather than later!” said one poster reacting to the news this week.

Last month, Morrisons revealed that about 100 jobs were at risk at its warehouse in Wakefield, which currently employs 1,200 staff.

Meanwhile, Morrisons chairman Sir Ian Gibson announced at this year’s agm on Thursday that he will not be seeking re-election and would step down next year.

“This term will take me into my eighth year on the Morrisons board. This announcement gives the board time to conduct an orderly search for a new chairman and ensure a smooth transition,” he said.

Gibson has faced criticism in recent weeks, along with the rest of the current management team, over Morrisons’ poor performance.

In April former property director, and close ally of Sir Ken Morrison, Roger Owen said Gibson should not be seeking re-election this year.

Topics