Hundreds of jobs at supermarket chain Morrisons are set to be axed following the introduction of new technology.
The food and drink giant is installing cash-counting machines in its stores, which means that almost 700 of its employees will no longer be needed.
Morrisons has started a four-week consultation with its staff on the matter, but it is understood they will unlikely be redeployed to other roles.
According to a spokesman from the supermarket, the introduction of the machinery is part of an ongoing programme that will ensure Morrisons continues to improve its competitiveness.
“The new technology will simplify the operation and mean that cash can be automatically counted. Morrisons will support its colleagues throughout this consultation process,” they added.
Since the UK’s fourth biggest supermarket saw its profits fall by seven per cent last year to £879 million, it has been under pressure to cut costs across all of its chains.
The latest move from Morrisons comes just six months after 165 jobs were cut at the firm’s Bradford headquarters after it outsourced its financial transaction processing service to an Indian company.
