Business shake-up puts 57 jobs at risk
MORE than 90 people could be asked to apply for just 35 jobs as part of a restructure at The Co-operative Group.
The group has announced plans to restructure its financial shared services operation in Burslem, which currently employs 92 people.
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UNCERTAINTY: Co-operative Travel HQ.
Directors said the move is a result of last year's merger between The Co-operative Travel and Thomas Cook.
The Hamil Road site was previously The Co-operative Travel's headquarters, but it has already been announced that all 80 jobs there will be transferring to Thomas Cook's Peterborough site.
The financial shared services operation carries out roles such as accounting for a number of The Co-op's divisions, but a spokesman said the majority of its work was for travel.
The Co-op said it expects the new structure to have 35 positions and all 92 current members of staff will be invited to apply for those positions. It added that it would be looking to redeploy those affected in other areas of the business, possibly outside North Staffordshire.
The proposals, which the group said are part of its move "to ensure it is operating at maximum cost-effectiveness in a challenging economic environment", will be subject to a minimum 30-day consultation period.
A spokesman said: "We will be providing staff with timings as quickly as possible. Clearly we regret having to reduce the number of roles at Burslem but the restructure is vital if we are to continue operating cost-effectively. We will endeavour to redeploy staff to other areas of the Group wherever possible."
The 80 full-time staff in The Co-op's membership services team at Burslem will not be affected by the proposals.
Burslem Park councillor Joy Garner said the proposed restructuring was worrying for the town.
She said: "I think having the Co-op in Burslem has been of great benefit to the area, especially to local businesses, and it's also helped put Burslem on the map.
"I've been inside that building and I was surprised at how many people worked there. So it is a concern that the number of posts there will be reduced so much. Will the Co-op move to a smaller premises, leaving a big empty building in Burslem?
"Also, it's not very easy to find alternative employment at the moment, so this will affect the families of those who lose their jobs."
4 Comments
by WJRead
Sunday, February 12 2012, 8:17AM
“The Co-operative makes much in its advertising and marketing material about being an "ethical" business, owned and run by its members. This is in contrast with the big multi-national private businesses such as ASDA Walmart, Tesco, Barclays, TUI travel, etc.
Strange that this "ethical" stance is not easily observed when it deals ruthlessly with its own staff, who seem to be discarded in the same way as if they were merely employees of a private business.”
by Anon_mow_cop
Sunday, February 12 2012, 8:10AM
“@stokie9009
I quite agree with your comment about the CO-OP being "Manchester Biased", they are going to build themselves a nice new shiny headquarters in Manchester in the next few years The Woodhouse offices are virtually empty now and the former United Co-op centre at Rochdale is next on the "chopping block".”
by Anon_mow_cop
Saturday, February 11 2012, 8:32PM
“A few years ago the CO-OP embarked on a policy of being "Employer of choice", it seems to be losing that image with recent events.Having people to apply for their own jobs is degrading for people, shame on you CO-OP you are acting like a cheap-skate employer would.”
by stokie9009
Saturday, February 11 2012, 9:53AM
“Oh no the Co-op at it again. I remember after the merger between them and Brittania, that resulted in the Co-operative insurance office in Town Road Business Quarter closing with the loss of nearly 100 jobs (mine included). Two years later the building still lies empty.
I have learned that no job is safe with The Cooperative unless you are in Manchester, The first area they decide to cut jobs is Stoke on Trent. There were people in my office who had been dedicated and working for the Cooperative for over 20 years, infact the majority in the Stoke office had worked over 5 years but that dedication to an ethical company means nothing too them.
My heart goes out to the collegues in Burslem and I wish them all the luck for the future.”