Tesco to cut shifts, cut 24-hour business at some stores, job losses expected ahead of X'mas

Tesco has announced it would cut shifts and end 24-hour trading at some stores, which could lead to job losses just before Christmas.

Selected stores that currently run 24-hours a day would cease doing so and some workers faced cuts in their working hours.

Hundreds of Tesco stores across the country will enter into consultations with around 2,000 staff and the fate of many would be known in November.

According to reports, a total of 149 stores would see a significant reduction in night staff and 30 of the stores, which were earlier open for 24 hours would have their opening hours reduced.

Earlier this year Tesco, which had around 3,500 outlets, announced reduced opening hours at 20 large stores but had now said it was bringing in the reduced hours at another 30 stores which would now close at midnight and re-open at 6am.

Another 149 stores would see shelf-filling done during daytime rather than at night.

According to Tesco, the plans would allow staff to refill shelves to boost the appearance of the stores in the daytime – and that job losses would be 'minimal' as staff would be transferred to day-time working.

Chief executive Dave Lewis, who was said to have earned the nickname ''Cutthroat Dave'' among workers said he was trying to revive the supermarket's brand.

Tony Hoggett, chief operating officer at Tesco, said, the retailer was making some changes in a number of stores.

''We understand this may be disruptive for some of our colleagues and where there have been changes to a colleague's role we will be working really hard to ensure they are fully supported.''

Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) said it was aware of the plan. Pauline Foulkes, Usdaw national officer, said, ''Following a business review Tesco are announcing various operational changes at stores around the country.''