Booths’ management revamp to cost 100 jobs

FAMILY-owned North West grocer Booths is streamlining its store portfolio and introducing a new management structure – a move which will cost around 100 jobs.

The independent Preston-based retailer said the changes would ensure the business continues to “have a bright profitable future”.

Although in the midst of its largest ever store opening program – which includes its new shop in Hale Barns, new stores  in St Anne’s, and the  redevelopment of the Teanlowe Centre in Poulton-le-Fylde – two outlets in Ansdell and Marton, on the Flyde coast, will close later this year.

The company said in a statement: “It is anticipated that the majority of employees in the Ansdell and Marton stores will be able to secure positions in the new replacement Booths stores, however, due to an overall reduction in staff operating hours, the company is entering into a consultation process expected to span two months.”

It added: “At the same time, Booths is undergoing a proposed restructure in how it manages its stores, with a view to becoming more efficient and offering better customer service. 

“The suggested change will see heads of department and assistant manager roles replaced by three management positions with greater accountability and responsibility.  The proposed change will see the management structure reduced by 100 positions. “
 
Retail director, Paul Minett added: “Booths is entering a very exciting phase of development and the new stores are at the cutting edge both in terms of design and artisan food offer and quality. The customer experience is at the heart of we do, and we’re focusing on the things that matter most to our customers, service, availability and quality.
 
“To support this, that means a simplified and more accountable management structure, trading from an estate of profitable, vibrant stores.   The difficult and tough decisions that we make now will ensure that Booths continues to have a bright and profitable future for generations to come.”