JM News UK

Struggling supermarket chain Morrisons is to create 5,000 new store jobs to bolster customer service and arrest its slide in market share. The Bradford-based retailer said that at the same time, it was launching a consultation on reducing up to 720 head office roles, though the people affected would be offered alternative jobs. The plans are part of the shake-up being implemented by new chief executive David Potts after his predecessor Dalton Philips ultimately paid the price for weak Christmas sales amid the challenge posed by hard discounters, which began during his four-year tenure. The chain's statement said: "Morrisons is reshaping the way that its business is staffed, investing in new store jobs to deliver better customer service, while also proposing a reduction in head office jobs.