tesco metro night

Tesco said 70% of its Metro customers were using them as c-stores, buying food for that day

Tesco is set to cut 4,500 jobs across its store estate in a fresh round of changes.

The operational changes will mainly focus on its 153 Metro stores, which the retailer said were now acting more as convenience stores rather than places for full weekly shops. Tesco said 70% of its Metro customers were using them as c-stores, buying food for that day.

The changes involve a reduced management structure in the Metro stores, while staff will have to work more flexibly across the store to improve customer service at the busiest times of the day. It is also switching to a new replenishment model, with fewer products held in the storeroom and more product going straight onto the shop floor.

Tesco is also reducing opening hours in 134 Tesco Express stores where footfall is lower than average. It will also be simplifying stock routines in these stores.

Additionally, there will be changes in some large stores, again involving processes for moving stock around and filling shelves.

Tesco said it would look to try and find alternative roles for as many affected staff as possible.

“In a challenging, evolving retail environment, with increasing cost pressures, we have to continue to review the way we run our stores to ensure we reflect the way our customers are shopping and do so in the most efficient way,” said Tesco UK & ROI CEO Jason Tarry.

“We do not take any decision which impacts colleagues lightly, but have to make sure we remain relevant for customers and operate a sustainable business now and in the future.”