Lidl has proposed axing about 70 head office roles in moves it says will help support its expansion plans.
The proposed job cuts are spread across all departments at the head office in Tolworth, south west London. They represent about 6% of the 1,100 people employed in the building.
No customer-facing roles are affected.
Head office staff have been informed directly and a consultation process on the proposed changes is expected to conclude around October.
The proposed changes will be made in phases up until February 2026.
“As a fast-growing business with strong momentum, we’ve undertaken a review of our operations to ensure we’re set up with the right foundations to support our ambitious expansion plans, now and in the future,” said a Lidl spokesperson.
“These plans include the opening of 40 new stores this year alone, creating over 1,000 new jobs for store colleagues, with further ambitions to accelerate that growth in the years ahead.
“As part of this review, we’ve put forward necessary proposals that will impact some roles within our head office. No customer-facing roles will be affected, and no decisions will be made until the consultation period has fully concluded.
“These proposals are designed to streamline our operations, improve efficiency and strengthen our business model. While these decisions have not been made lightly, we are committed to supporting affected colleagues and will offer alternative roles where suitable.”
It is understood the changes are intended to streamline Lidl’s head office structure to support long-term efficiency and sustainable growth.
An internal memo from Lidl’s board of directors to all head office staff on Thursday said: “As a fast-growing dynamic business, we are continuing to evolve at pace here in GB. We are opening 40 new stores this financial year and are looking to increase this pace next year. As such, we’re working to sharpen our customer focus, maximise our strengths, and maintain the consistency and efficiencies that underpin our business model.
“In order to achieve this, we are proposing some changes which may result in some headcount reductions. As a result of the proposed changes, we’re entering a consultation period with the affected head office colleagues, who have already been informed.
“We have exceptional people working at head office and our aim, as always, is to retain as many colleagues as possible within the organisation.
“We’ll be supporting our colleagues and teams during this time and any proposed changes will be made in phases up until February 2026. In the meantime, please be considerate of your colleagues as they navigate this period.”
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