Job losses in Kirkcaldy, Grangemouth, Edinburgh and Troon planned
TESCO, the supermarket giant, plans to close four Scottish stores with more than 300 jobs to be cut, as part of cutbacks across the UK.
Tesco plans to close 43 stores, with 2,000 jobs to go.
The national officer for the supermarket workers union, USDAW, stated: “This is devastating news for the dedicated staff who have worked hard to make their shop viable during a difficult time for the company.
“We will now enter into full and meaningful consultation meetings on this proposal, where we will look closely at the company’s business case for the closures. Our priority is to maximise employment within Tesco, seek redeployment opportunities for members, where possible, and to keep job losses to a minimum.”
BBC Scotland reported that the heaviest losses will be felt in Kirkcaldy, with 189 jobs going. Sixty-eight will go with the closure in Grangemouth, a further 55 in Edinburgh and 14 in Troon.
Tesco’s retreat from many parts of Scotland is part of a change in strategy after heavy financial losses and an accounting scandal last year which led to the company being investigated by the Serious Fraud Office. The company is also facing increased competition from the bargain buy Aldi and Lidl supermarkets, as well as changing consumer patterns away from out-of-town shopping.
Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis stated: “The decision to close these stores has been exceptionally difficult to take.
“I recognise it will affect many hard working colleagues, our customers and the communities in which these stores are situated.”
Fife Council leader, David Ross, said he wanted “an explanation” for the job losses in Kirkcaldy, which he described as “a devastating blow”.
“I am keen to explore any opportunity for keeping the Kirkcaldy store open, but failing that we will be seeking assurances about the future for the staff and what can be done through redeployment or other ways of minimising the impact on them,” Ross added.
Picture courtesy of Gordon Joly