Morrisons to create 4,000 new jobs across its store network after axing 3,000 management roles

The grocer said all of the positions are new jobs and are being created to "serve customers better" by changing the way its stores are staffed.

The increase of more than 4,000 jobs is after 3,0000 managerial roles are removed. A total of 7,000 roles will be created of which 4,000 are new positions.

A spokesperson said: "Managers will concentrate on helping frontline colleagues to do their job and run their stores."

Many of the new jobs will be on the supermarket's Market Street counters for roles such as butchers, bakers, fishmongers and other fresh food specialists who serve customers.

David Lepley, Morrisons Group Retail Director, said: “This proposal means more frontline colleagues improving product availability and helping customers.

"Whilst there will be a short period of uncertainty for some managers affected by these proposals we will be supporting them through this process and there are jobs available for everybody who wants to continue to work at Morrisons.

"There will also be more roles with greater flexibility that are very attractive to colleagues with families.”

The move is the latest jobs shake-up at a major grocer and comes days after rival Sainsbury's announced plans to cut hundreds more managerial jobs following its takeover of Argos.

Earlier this month, it was reported that more than 2,800 Asda workers could lose their jobs as consultations take place to cut back-office roles at the Walmart-owned retailer.

Last year, Tesco said it would cut around 4,500 jobs, predominantly from its 153 mid-size Metro stores, in its most recent round of redundancies.

Morrisons, alongside its rivals, has come under pressure from rapidly-growing German discounters Aldi and Lidl in recent years.

The Bradford-based business recently posted falling sales over the crucial festive season as it was impacted by "unusually challenging" trading and shopper uncertainty.

Joanne McGuinness, national officer of the Usdaw union, said: "This is a big upheaval for the Morrisons store management team and is devastating news for our members.

"We will be entering into consultations with the company on behalf of our members affected by these changes.

"Despite a large number of hourly paid roles being created, they will clearly not be a like-for-like position for the managers impacted. We are providing members with the support, advice and representation they require during this difficult time."

Shares in the retailer fell 1.2% to 182.5p on Thursday.