Morrisons introduces major change to supermarket rules across the UK
Morrisons, one of the UK’s leading supermarket chains, is looking into possible changes to staffing and working hours across its Morrisons Daily stores (the convenience store format). The review is in the early stages and is intended to improve how stores run and better match operations to customer habits. The company stresses the process is exploratory for now and no actions have been taken, but the proposed changes could have notable consequences for employees.
Consultation: what’s the plan?
Morrisons has started a consultation in its Daily store format. Managers have been asked to speak with staff about their flexibility on hours and locations so the business can gather information to shape new store schedules. According to a Morrisons spokesman, no decisions have been finalised and the consultation is still at the outset — a sign the firm is proceeding with caution.
The move fits with CEO Rami Baitiéh’s wider plan to cut costs and drive a turnaround for the supermarket group, as reported by industry publication The Grocer. An internal memo shared with staff and cited by The Times explains the reasoning: “Our business and customer habits are constantly changing, and to remain competitive and sustainable, we must continually seek ways to improve our operational efficiency.”
What this could mean for staff
The suggested changes could mean staff need to alter their usual shift patterns, move between stores, and become “multiskilled across all areas of store operations”. Colleagues may end up working on tills, handling groceries, and running in-store Post Offices — duties that reflect how varied modern retail roles are. In the “majority of cases,” workers are expected to take on these different roles.
Morrisons says the adjustments are not about cutting headcount but about matching labour to real-time demand. The company said: “Adjusting staffing store hours based on labour models isn’t about cutting back, it’s about matching the staffing levels to actual demand, ensuring we have the right people in place at the right time.” They add any changes will consider individual circumstances to keep disruption to a minimum.
How Morrisons is explaining it and what’s next
Morrisons presents the potential changes as a necessary step to respond to shifting shopper needs. A spokesman for Morrisons underlined the need for flexibility in today’s retail world, saying: “We regularly review our shift patterns to make sure they are in line with customer demand and recently began exploring options for more flexible working with Morrisons Daily colleagues, to further enhance the in-store experience for customers.”
Reports in The Grocer emphasise the financial drivers behind the proposals, linking operational efficiency with sustainable business practice. Morrisons frames the move as part of a push to be more agile and customer-focused so it stays competitive in a fast-moving market. That said, with the consultation described as “exploratory at the moment – no action has been taken,” it’s still unclear how these plans will play out.
This developing situation highlights the delicate balance retail giants must strike between operational efficiency and employee well-being. As Morrisons works through this process, it’s important for stakeholders — including staff and customers — to keep informed and engaged with any future developments that could reshape day-to-day operations at one of the UK’s retail stalwarts.