The Co-operative Group has moved to reassure staff over S3 Store Standards as the rollout of the new system of working continues to concern staff.

S3 was launched earlier this year to make food stores more efficient, but has prompted staff to share their concerns on social media and thegrocer.co.uk. The new system has involved cutting the number of hours in some stores as well as asking staff to fill in availability forms to ensure The Co-op has a flexible workforce.

This week, the society took to its staff Facebook page to “clarify some of the processes.” Staff had expressed concern that the Co-op expected them to be on call 24/7, but the Co-op said: “We are not looking for 24/7 availability, simply sufficient colleagues in store at the times our customers need us. Any adjustments required to colleagues’ working hours are completed through a consultation process with the store manager, which should take into consideration every colleague’s personal circumstances.”

On the wider S3 system, it added: “The dedication of our colleagues to bringing S3 to life is enabling consistent, efficient service in our stores.”

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