Thousands of jobs at retailer Wilko are at risk after the firm confirmed it has entered redundancy consultation with nearly 4,000 staff, weeks after bemoaning a rise in costs as a result of the pound’s Brexit-induced collapse.
The discount chain said, following a review of its operating functions, changes are required to “ensure it is best placed to continue to thrive within an ever-changing retail landscape”.
Wilko, which has stores in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Colchester, said it is consulting with 3,900 of its store supervisory team about a new management structure, alongside trade union the GMB.
It added that 1,000 new senior supervisor roles will be created as part of the shake-up, as well as a “significant amount” of customer service roles.
The move comes after Wilko posted an 80% plunge in pre-tax profits to £5.1 million in the year to January 28.
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