Supermarket giant Morrisons has announced plans to cut around 200 jobs at its Bradford headquarters, impacting roughly eight per cent of its head office workforce. The move comes as the retailer grapples with a challenging economic climate and accelerates its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
The redundancies will affect staff across multiple departments, including marketing, commercial, and technical teams. Employees have reportedly been told that rising insurance costs, the cost-of-living crisis, and increased fuel prices due to geopolitical instability are contributing factors.
However, the job cuts are also part of a wider, multi-year transformation strategy initiated in 2025, focused on integrating AI and automation throughout the business. A company spokesperson stated the program aims to "ensure our central functions are better placed to serve our stores and strengthen our ability to deliver for customers in the current very challenging market conditions."
This latest announcement follows a series of cost-cutting measures implemented by Morrisons in recent years. In March 2025, the supermarket chain initiated a restructuring plan which included widespread closures.
| Closed Operations | Number of Locations |
|---|---|
| In-store Cafés | 52 |
| Market Kitchens | 18 |
| Convenience Stores | 17 |
| Florists | 13 |
| Meat Counters | 35 |
| Fish Counters | 35 |
| Pharmacies | 4 |
While many of the affected employees were redeployed within the company, approximately 365 roles were ultimately placed at risk. These actions are indicative of a broader strategy to streamline operations and redirect resources towards more profitable, technology-driven areas.
The retail sector is currently undergoing a period of significant disruption, with store closures and job losses becoming increasingly common. The rise of e-commerce, coupled with the adoption of advanced technologies like AI, is forcing retailers to restructure their operations and reduce their reliance on traditional roles. Despite the ongoing restructuring, Morrisons has reported robust financial results in its latest earnings report.
