Morrisons also cut more than 8,800 across its business in 2023.
Morrisons has cut over 3,600 jobs and shut 17 stores in as part of a huge shake-up at the supermarket giant. The chain reduced its workforce from 104,819 to 101,144 over the last financial year after a decline in revenue.
The cuts were made across in-store and distributing staff, head office employees and manufacturing workers after the retailer recorded a dip in profits in the 12 months to October 27, 2024. The biggest cut was to on-the-ground staff, with the number shrinking from 88,258 to 85,508. Morrisons’ latest slew of job losses also pre-dated the closure of 17 UK branches earlier this year, with the final store in Haxby, North Yorkshire, closing on May 14.
Morrisons has cut over 3,600 jobs while also closing 17 stores (Image: Getty)
The chain recorded a return to profit last year (Image: Getty)
The other closures happened in April, and were accompanied by the axing of 50 Morrisons’ in-store cafes, 35 meat and fish counters and 18 Market Kitchen food courts.
The supermarket cited the need to cut costs amid rising financial pressure after making a pre-tax loss of £919 million in 2023 and £1.3 billion in 2022.
It also closed over 8,800 stores across its business in 2023.
However, the chain recorded a pre-tax profit of £2.1 billion for the 12 months to October 27, 2024, according to accounts filed with Companies House – marking its first return to profit since it was acquired by US private equity investor Clayton Dubilier and Rice in October 2021.
Morrisons also recently posted an increase in sales for the second quarter of its current financial year, with like-for-like sales growing 4.2% to £3.9 billion.
Chief executive Rami Baitiéh told City AM: “Against the backdrop of a challenging macro environment, with inflation driving subdued consumer sentiment, value remains at the forefront of customers’ minds.
“Throughout the first half we’ve worked hard on helping customers through these challenges with a rigorous focus on price, promotions and meaningful rewards for loyalty.”
Other supermarkets, including Aldi, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, have also downsized their staff rostas in the wake of economic challenges exacerbated by the Chancellor’s October Budget.
Full list of shops shut:
Gorleston Lowestoft Road – April 16
Shenfield 214 Hutton Road – April 16
Peebles 3-5 Old Town – April 16
Poole Waterloo Estate – April 16
Tonbridge Higham Lane Est – April 16
Romsey The Cornmarket – April 16
Stewarton Lainshaw Street – April 16
Selsdon Featherbed Lane – April 16
Great Barr Queslett R – April 16
Whickham Oakfield Road – April 16
Worle – April 16
Goring-By-Sea Strand Para – April 16
Woking Westfield Road – April 16
Wokingham 40 Peach Street – April 16
Exeter 51 Sidwell Street – April 16
Bath Moorland Road – April 16
Haxby Village – May 14
