Morrisons takes £30m swipe at supermarket rival Asda…by improving staff tea areas
The gloves have come off in the latest supermarket fight. Morrisons has announced it will splash out £30m on improving staff rest areas – at a time when it says Asda is doing the exact opposite.
The retailer said the four year makeover will see dated decor and furniture thrown out and replaced with new seating areas and dining tables, freshly ground coffee machines, new toilets and other features such as free wi-fi and mobile phone charging points.
Some stores will also be decked out with kitchens for staff to use and will include an expanded range of hot and cold foods.
Morrisons Chief Executive, David 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."
The move comes just weeks after its bigger rival Asda said it is considering closing its canteens and replacing them with microwaves and fridges for staff to bring in and prepare their own food.
The retailer, which is reporting its fourth quarter results later today, has come under pressure to cut costs after five consecutive quarters of sales decline. It is also axing 200 jobs at its headquarters in Leeds as part of plans to make £1bn of savings over the next five years.