The layoffs are part of widespread upheaval across its stores and head office, as the retailer seeks to develop “more efficient ways of working” and maintain its ability to “offer customers unrivalled value”.
Tesco has also announced plans to close its Snodland distribution centre in Kent, which follows a major investment in a new distribution centre located three miles away from the Snodland site in Aylesford.
The retailer will begin the consultation process in the coming days, but the retailer has said that all 520 members of staff employed at the Snodland facility will be offered a role at the new site.
Commenting on the proposals, Tesco UK CEO Matthew Barnes said: “These are difficult decisions affecting our colleagues, but we believe they are necessary to enable us to invest in what matters most to our customers.
“Our priority is to support impacted colleagues, and we will do everything we can to help them find alternative roles within our business. Today, we have almost 1,000 vacancies available.”
‘Devastating news’
The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) will be part of consultation talks with Tesco over the next few weeks, with national officer Daniel Adams describing the announcement as “devastating news” for the people affected “so soon after the announcement of the company’s strong Christmas results”.
“Tesco have informed Usdaw of their proposals and we will now enter into consultation with the company, with a view to keeping as many staff as possible employed within the business and securing the best possible deal for our members,” Adams said.
“In the meantime, we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation that they need. Any Usdaw member with concerns should contact their workplace union representative.”
Fellow national officer Mark Todd touched on the Snodland site closure: “The proposed relocation of the Snodland distribution centre to Aylesford will be subject to consultation talks with Usdaw and Sata.
“We welcome that the company has already indicated that they intend to offer a job to all those that are affected. Our members will be fully supported by Usdaw throughout this process.”
Tesco is the third major UK retailer to announce major job cuts since the start of 2025, with Sainsbury’s and Morrisons taking similar decisions.
