Revealed: Waitrose reveals job cuts in management shake-up

Waitrose is set to axe almost 200 jobs and close a number of shops as part of a shake-up of its store network, the Evening Standard can reveal.

The upmarket grocer confirmed 180 jobs are at risk as part of plans to simplify the management structure at its 350 stores.

AWaitrose spokesman said: “We are proposing that, over the next three years, our department managers will transition to the new role of deputy branch manager. We currently have 486 department managers (UK wide) and gradually between now and 2020 we expect this number to reduce by around 180.”

It added that the reduction would be through natural turnover, retirements and voluntary redundancies.

The firm also today proposed the closure of five stores across the country, including in Staines, Hertford and Palmers Green.

Waitrose pointed out however that it is investing in new branches and its existing estate, with new jobs being created.

The moves come after parent company the John Lewis Partnership warned last month of a “challenging market outlook” due to the pound’s post-Referendum plunge.

Sterling’s weakness will push up prices of goods from abroad, leaving retailers and shoppers facing higher prices.

Conditions for supermarkets are already tough: competition from discounters Aldi and Lidl has forced the major grocers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s to slash prices.

Meanwhile Aldi and Lidl have expanded premium ranges to lure more middle class customers away from Waitrose and M&S.