Tesco has announced another round of role restructuring at its stores across the UK, leaving 1,600 jobs now at risk.
The retailer – which is Britain’s biggest supermarket, with 3,400 stores across the country – said it was moving its overnight re-stocking to the daytime in 36 large stores and 49 convenience stores, and is also converting 36 of its petrol stations to become ‘Pay-at-Pump’ only sites during overnight hours.
Tesco said the changes to overnight roles came after it found that moving stock replenishment to daytime trading hours means it could ensure more staff were on the shop floor to help customers at peak times.
This announcement also comes a day after Tesco announced it was scrapping its discount store brand Jack’s, with the closure of seven stores and loss of around 130 jobs.
Tesco also said it is shutting meat, deli, and fish counters at more than 300 sites.
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With all these closure announcements combined, it’s said that around 1,600 roles are at risk of redundancy across all Tesco branches, but the retailer said it aimed to offer alternative roles to as many as possible, with 3,000 vacancies currently needing to be filled.
The retailer said it was moving its overnight re-stocking to the daytime at various stores across the UK / Credit: Tesco Careers
Speaking on the role restructuring, Jason Tarry – Head of Tesco’s UK and Ireland – said: “We operate in a highly competitive and fast-paced market and our customers are shopping differently, especially since the start of the pandemic.
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“We are always looking at how we can run our business as simply and efficiently as possible, so that we can re-invest in the things that matter most to customers.
“The changes we are announcing today will help us do this.
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“Our priority now is to support our impacted colleagues through these changes and, wherever possible, find them alternative roles within our business.”
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
1st February 2022 
