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David Potts Morrisons Retail

Morrisons CEO Potts makes his mark as the chain cuts HQ roles to supplement 5,000 in-store jobs

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By John McCarthy, Opinion Editor

April 16, 2015 | 2 min read

UK supermarket chain Morrisons has announced a major reshuffle as new chief executive David Potts looks to turn around the flagging business.

The retailer, which is in a period of transition following David Potts joining last February, has announced that it is looking to cut up to 720 head office jobs in a move which could supplement the hiring of 5,000 in-store staff.

It added that those affected by the shake-up will be offered alternative roles on the ground at Morrisons outlets, or they can take voluntary redundancies.

Potts said in a statement: "Morrisons is reshaping the way that its business is staffed, investing in new store jobs to deliver better customer service, while also proposing a reduction in head office jobs.

"In its supermarkets, Morrisons has begun recruiting 5,000 shop floor staff to further improve service, increase availability, and open more checkouts.

"At its head office, the company is beginning a consultation about a simplified management structure. The number of people employed there has increased by 50 per cent since 2008."

He concluded: “We are focusing on the things that matter to our customers. That means having more of our staff in our stores, improving product availability and helping customers at our checkouts.”

On his first day in office, Potts issued a video urging staff and customers to tell him how to improve the chain. It looks like the CEO is listening to such suggestions, with him in March axing half of the company’s management board.

David Potts Morrisons Retail

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