Staffing at some ‘quieter’ Co-op stores will be cut to lone working for periods of the day from July as part of a cost-cutting drive known internally as ‘Project Lunar’.

Employees impacted by the change claimed a member of store management would be the only person left on shift for parts of the day.

Confirming the project’s implementation in a very small number of stores, a Co-op spokesperson told Better Retailing ranges will be reviewed to minimise waste, tasks will simplified and store managers or team leaders will be allowed to work alone for short periods during slower daylight trading hours.

Better Retailing understands the project is to safeguard the future of the affected stores by supporting profitable trading. A Co-op operations manager leading part of Project Lunar described their role as being focused on ‘driving profitability in our marginal stores’ by challenging staff to deliver ‘sustainable improvements’.

Co-op staff concerned by changes

Several staff at affected sites raised concerns over security and store standards. A statement from a Co-op spokesperson responded: “Co-op is committed to serving and supporting our communities, providing good value prices, excellent promotions and quality products for all of our members and customers.

“Alongside a rewarding and safe working environment for our colleagues across all our stores, all of which maintain the highest of standards. Co-op has been at the forefront of campaigning for a crackdown on retail crime, investing in the very latest security measures, with the safety and wellbeing of all colleagues as our clear priority.”

The changes to some Co-op stores follow a similar cost-cutting drive by Tesco, which is trialling an ‘Express Lite’ model in some of its convenience estate. The model involves of less staff on shift, shorter opening hours and operations changes designed to save staff time.”

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