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Discount store may cut 1,500 jobs Discount store may cut 1,500 jobs
(10 minutes later)
A Nottinghamshire-based discount store has confirmed it may cut up to 1,500 jobs if it adopts a new stock supply system next year.A Nottinghamshire-based discount store has confirmed it may cut up to 1,500 jobs if it adopts a new stock supply system next year.
Wilkinson, which was founded in Leicestershire, has 312 stores and employs about 25,000 staff. Wilkinson, founded in Leicestershire, has 312 stores and employs about 25,000 staff in England and Wales.
The company, now based in Worksop, said the new system would reduce the need for stock handling in store and the volume of items held at branches.The company, now based in Worksop, said the new system would reduce the need for stock handling in store and the volume of items held at branches.
It emphasised the possible cuts were not linked to the economic downturn.It emphasised the possible cuts were not linked to the economic downturn.
The new stock handling system is being trialled at 33 shops in the Midlands and Yorkshire.The new stock handling system is being trialled at 33 shops in the Midlands and Yorkshire.
New SystemNew System
Wilkinson said everything possible was being done to ensure redundancies were kept to a minimum and sales levels were "bearing up very, very well".Wilkinson said everything possible was being done to ensure redundancies were kept to a minimum and sales levels were "bearing up very, very well".
A company spokesman said: "The company has commenced early and open discussions with its recognised union, the GMB, so that affected team members will benefit well in advance from priority consideration for alternative posts as they become available.A company spokesman said: "The company has commenced early and open discussions with its recognised union, the GMB, so that affected team members will benefit well in advance from priority consideration for alternative posts as they become available.
"This process is designed to eliminate, wherever possible, the need for redundancies.""This process is designed to eliminate, wherever possible, the need for redundancies."