ASDA bosses are reeling from the ‘worst Christmas’ in years, and have seemingly let several head office staff go while demanding the rest return at least three days per week
ASDA is reeling from its worst Christmas in years(Image: Getty Images)
A major UK supermarket has demanded all office-based staff stop working from home – while sacking several of them after the company’s “worst Christmas in years”.
The green and white-branded supermarket giant ASDA saw sales fall 5.8% during the 12 weeks until December 29. It came just a few weeks after a series of job cuts at head office were announced, with more taking place earlier this month.
According to Retail Gazette, 13 regional managers have been let go, with the company’s “sub regions” dropping from 30 to 22 – which essentially means the remaining managers being given more work.
Several head office staff have been sacked(Image: Getty Images)
RG claimed that an internal meme explaining this said: “Change is never easy and unfortunately we have had to say goodbye to a number of colleagues.”
And it comes days after ASDA bosses demanded all office-based staff return to working in the office at least three days per week. It was also confirmed that a “large number” of roles at head office will be let go to “remove duplication and simplify structures”.
In a message sent to staff by boss Lord Rose, he claimed: “Change is never easy and is unsettling, but the executive team believe it is necessary to enter 2025 in a stronger position, fully focused on serving our customers, delivering our ambitions and driving long-term growth.”
The future looks rather bleak(Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
And when questioned about the move, a spokesman said: “This approach brings us in line with our competitors and the wider market, allowing us to build high-performing teams with a collaborative culture and respond to what our business needs the most.
“The change is effective from January 2025 to allow time for all colleagues to make any necessary arrangements.”
No clarification on what will happen to those who are unable to return to the office when the new rule is enforced, nor did ASDA bosses confirm how many other members of staff will be let go.
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