Over 300 jobs at risk at Asda following proposed shake-up of operations

New proposals by Asda to change its shift patterns will put almost 300 jobs at risk and see a pay reduction for over 4000 night workers.

The supermarket chain has announced what it calls “three change proposals” in an attempt to “improve customer experience” in its stores and “drive sustainable growth for the future”.

An Asda spokesperson confirmed to Neighbourhood Retailer that its proposed changes to night shifts are applicable to Northern Ireland stores, but was unable to confirm exact locations.

They added they were now in a “period of consultation” with staff.

STORE SERVICES CUT

It is proposing to replace the overnight ambient and frozen shifts in 184 smaller superstores, which would mean more staff on the shop floor during opening hours. The proposal follows trials which delivered improvements in customer satisfaction and product availability, it said.

If this proposal goes ahead, it could lead to the removal of up to 211 nightshift manager roles and a change to the working patterns of approximately 4137 hourly-paid staff.

The company is also proposing a 25% reduction in the opening hours of all its 23 in-store Post Office branches, which would affect 23 salaried managers and 200 hourly-paid staff. It said it was making the move following a “decline in the number of customers using this service”.

‘We are now entering a period of consultation with our colleagues on these proposals’

Ken Towle, Asda’s Retail Director

Finally, the chain is proposing to close seven of its 254 in-store pharmacies, affecting 48 hourly-paid staff and 14 pharmacists, as a result of “low customer usage”.

The announcement comes less than two months after the retailer revealed its plans to open 300 new convenience stores by the end of 2026, as they intend to accelerate the rollout of its Asda Express stores.

Ken Towle, Asda’s Retail Director said: “The retail sector is evolving at pace and it is vital we review changing customer preferences, along with our own ways of working, to ensure we are operating as efficiently as possible, so that we can continue to invest and grow our business.

“We are now entering a period of consultation with our colleagues on these proposals. We recognise this will be a difficult time for them and will do all we can to support them through this process.”