Morrisons has axed 3,600 jobs following the closure of 17 stores last year, marking another challenging period for the supermarket giant.
The retailer’s workforce fell from about 104,819 employees to 101,144 by October 2023. The cuts came during a difficult year in which Morrisons shed 8,800 roles overall due to rising operational costs and ongoing pressure in the retail sector.
In April, the supermarket chain confirmed the closure of more than a dozen stores, alongside the shutdown of two in-store cafés and 100 other services, including 12 florists, four pharmacies and numerous meat and fish counters.
These closures are part of a wider trend impacting British high streets, with 13,000 shops disappearing in 2023 alone. The decline has affected major brands across the country, with WHSmith also among those hit by site closures.
Morrisons’ chief executive has outlined plans to renew and streamline operations, focusing on areas that provide the most value to customers. While most Morrisons cafés will remain open, a small number have shut due to local challenges.
Despite the changes, the supermarket says it remains committed to its Market Street offering, known for fresh produce and specialist counters.
Retail experts warn that more closures could be on the horizon in 2024, with the Centre for Retail Research estimating that as many as 17,000 shops could close across the UK by the end of the year.
