// Sainsbury’s unveils plans to restructure its logistics operations which will affect 7,000 employees
// The supermarket giant said no jobs will be lost as it plans to transfer staff to its new contracts
Sainsbury’s is overhauling its logistics operations as part of a major restructure that will impact 7,000 staff.
The supermarket giant said the change will help improve service and availability for customers and that no jobs will be lost in the process.
As part of the restructure, the grocery chain will streamline its multiple different logistics contracts to just three across transport, food and general merchandise and clothing by 2024.
This will see around 3,000 Sainsbury’s and Argos staff and 4,000 existing third-party employees transfer to one of the three companies it will partner with: DHL, Wincanton and GXO Logistics.
Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free
Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning
Sainsury’s said it will work closely with its colleagues, unions and partners to support those impacted by the changes.
The supermarket giant plans to invest £220m into its logistics network over the next three years to modernise operations, improve its fulfilment proposition as well as reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet which will help support the delivery of its carbon reduction targets by 2035.
Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts said: “We know these are big, bold changes and we have invested a huge amount of time planning this transformation to make sure it is successful.
“We believe our logistics and fulfilment operation will be one of our key competitive advantages in the future and today’s announcement will benefit our whole network through knowledge sharing and increased innovation.
“We’re confident that these changes will help us continue to invest where it will make the most impact for customers, now and in the future.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
