Morrisons to give staff areas £30m makeover

The announcement is part of Morrisons chief executive David Potts’ theory that happy staff produce happy customers, as he continues his turnaround of the Bradford-based supermarket.

The decision ties in with the boss’s decision to raise salaries with Mr Potts seeing employees as fundamental to Morrisons’ revival.

Rival big four supermarket Asda in contrast is proposing to shut its store canteens, as the industry continues to be ravaged by a price war - with German discounters stealing a march on the traditional big four.

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons have all seen their market share being eaten into by Aldi and Lidl over the past few years.

The four year makeover at Morrisons will see dated decor and fixed furniture replaced at all of the company’s stores. Separate dining and casual seating areas will also be developed for employees. The revamped Morrisons rest areas will also feature subsidised freshly ground coffee machines.

Morrisons says it will introduce free wi-fi to colleague areas and give them access to mobile phone charging points. The Bradford-based grocer also plans to upgrade staff toilets.

Mr Potts said: “We are a business that listens hard to colleagues and responds wherever possible. We asked our staff for their views about their stores and many commented about their restrooms saying they would like them to be more relaxing and offer a better food service.

“This investment will ensure they are provided with the facilities and food to help them recharge during their breaks.”

In September, Morrisons announced that 90,000 store staff would receive a pay rise with hourly rates increasing from £6.83 to £8.20.