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.”
Greens hasn’t shared as much detail about its Sale closure.
Simon Rimmer’s Greens restaurant in Sale has announced its immediate closure. Credit: The Manc Group
They wrote: “It is with deep regret that the board of directors and shareholders have decided to close the doors permanently on Greens Sale with immediate effect.
“We’ve done everything possible to make this work, but it is now clear the business is untenable.
“We’d like to thank everyone, team members & guests, who have been on the Greens journey with us.”
It’s another blow to the Manchester’s famous vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene, which has lost the likes of Wholesome Junkies, Vurger Co, and V Rev all shutting down in the last couple of years.
Wholesome Junkies shut down because of ‘skyrocketing costs’, writing at the time of their closure in July: “The figures just don’t add up, it’s no joke and it’s devastating the hospitality industry.”
Northern blocks access to dating apps and websites on-board trains
Emily Sergeant
Access to dating apps and websites is now blocked on-board trains travelling across the north, it has been revealed.
Northern says there’s “good reason” for taking this decision.
This is because the WiFi provided by the train operator on-board its services travelling across the north of England is delivered under the ‘Friendly WiFi’ scheme, which blocks access to certain categories of content – including those associated with dating.
Websites and apps related to video streaming, gambling, alcohol, adult content, pornography, and nudity are also blocked.
Northern has blocked access to dating apps and websites on-board its trains / Credit: Northern
The company says ‘Friendly WiFi’ – which it has been signed up to since 2017 – ensures its on-board internet service meets “minimum filtering standards” given the fact that children could be present around passengers at all times.
The decision to ban dating apps and websites comes after Northern also urged passengers to stop viewing content that’s “not suitable for work” on its trains and stations in Greater Manchester and beyond, and pleaded for them to “wait until you get home” instead.
Content that Northern considers ‘NSFW’ can range from inappropriate jokes and bad language, right through to offensive topics and explicit material.
The train operator has explained the “good reason” for its decision / Credit: Northern
Northern’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Rice, said access to “safe and reliable” internet is part of passengers’ expectations.
“Whilst some dating websites and users will operate with appropriate levels of self-moderation, some might not and it’s important that content not suitable for everyone to see or hear, particularly children, isn’t viewed on our trains,” Mr Rice explained.
“It’s simply about ensuring that there is sufficient bandwidth for all our customers to use while they’re on the go.
Emily Sergeant -
1st February 2022 
