Morrisons Employees Advised to Embrace Flexibility Amid Rising Labour Costs

Managers in Morrisons’ convenience stores are cautioning staff to adopt increased flexibility as the supermarket grapples with escalating labour costs. In an internal communication, managers have been instructed to engage in “flexibility conversations” with employees, signalling possible alterations to their working hours and responsibilities.

This initiative follows the acquisition of over 1,000 stores from the collapsed retailer McColl’s, which were transformed into Morrisons Daily outlets. The ongoing adaptation of the workforce is seen as essential for managing costs effectively, especially given the recent hike in employer National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage.

The company has stated that this move is not merely about reducing staffing levels but is focused on aligning workforce schedules with actual customer demand. An internal document acknowledged that these discussions could be “tricky to navigate” and “very emotive,” particularly for staff with established personal arrangements.

Changes to employee hours may include requests for weekend shifts or assignments in different locations. Management emphasised the importance of maintaining operational efficiency while adapting to market pressures. It is also noteworthy that the decline in cash payments and the cessation of newspaper deliveries has prompted operational adjustments.

Morrisons is reportedly aiming to strip £1 billion off its operational costs by October this year, a goal set by chief executive Rami Baitiéh. The company previously indicated plans to close various service counters and reduce its headcount significantly in response to financial pressures.

While the emphasis on flexibility may be an initial step, no immediate actions have been enforced as the company seeks to refine its approach based on customer expectations. As Morrisons continues to enhance its convenience retail offerings, its adaptability will play a crucial role in navigating the competitive landscape of the UK grocery market.