Sainsbury’s jobs at risk

Unite said it would be seeking guarantees over no compulsory redundancies at the supermarket giant Sainsbury’s today (March 3) after the retailer announced plans which put over 4,000 workers at risk of redundancy.

Calling on the supermarket to offer redeployment opportunities for affected staff, Unite expressed anger over the plans, which sees up to 600 price and controller roles being cut, in addition to the removal of night shifts in 140 stores and changes to the commercial set up in stores.

Unite represents more than 12,000 members working for Sainsbury’s and will now enter a 45 day consultation period over the plans which affects stores across the UK.

“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,” said Unite national officer for food and drink Julia Long.

“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.

“We are now entering the 45-day consultation period and will be having meetings with management, including asking the company if it has done an equalities’ audit of those affected by today’s announcement.”