The supermarket giant is making the changes to a number of its Express stores in a bid to cut costs and make things “simpler” for staff
Several Tesco stores are set to revise their opening times in a bid to slash staffing costs. The major supermarket chain has confirmed that some of its less profitable Tesco Express stores would have their opening hours reduced.
Tesco’s convenience store estate nationwide opens from 7am until 11pm. However, under the plans some Tesco Express stores will close an hour earlier at 10pm instead.
In addition, it is believed that these stores will operate with fewer staff during opening hours.
The reduced hours are part of a trial and only cover a “small” number of supermarket stores. Tesco has not confirmed which stores are taking part or the exact number.
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A spokesperson for Tesco explained that the alterations’ objective was to “simplify things for our colleagues and ensure that we are running these shops in the most efficient way.”
Union representatives have expressed their apprehension following the announcement, suggesting that the modifications could lead to complications for employees.
Usdaw national officer Daniel Adams stated that the union “had not agreed this change” and would be “monitoring the trials closely to assess the impact on our members.”
He also expressed concerns over the potential consequences of reduced staffing levels and how the trial might unfold.
Adams also noted that while Tesco had assured that there wouldn’t be any job losses as a result of these changes, staff may need to move to other locations, which could present issues related to commuting, care responsibilities, and work schedules.
Tesco is reportedly discussing potential transfers to other locations with affected employees based on individual needs.
The company spokesperson commented that the new alterations won’t impact shoppers, reassuring customers that they “will continue to receive the same great service they expect, and there are no changes to the range of products we sell.”
A Tesco spokesperson told the Mirror: “Our Express format is a strong and growing business, providing great value and convenience for customers on their doorstep. In a small number of stores, we are trialling some tweaks to our operational routines to make things simpler for our colleagues and to ensure that we are running these shops in the most efficient way.
“These changes aren’t visible to our customers, who will continue to receive the same great service they expect, and there are no changes to the range of products we sell.”
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