Morrisons has laid off 1,700 employees nationwide in the UK following the sale of its home delivery service. The company acquired newspaper delivery routes as part of its acquisition of McColl’s Retail Group in 2022.
With Morrisons Daily serving around 25,000 households, predominantly employing young individuals for short shifts, the decision to transfer the home delivery service to News Team Group (NTG) was made, with the exact transaction amount undisclosed. This move marked the end of a significant first job opportunity for many teenagers.
Delivery operations have now been handed over to NTG delivery drivers, as Morrisons cites the transition as a means to offer a more efficient service. While most paperboys and girls were notified via letter, some, like one individual, only found out about their redundancy upon showing up for work.
One affected employee, 17-year-old Ben Peters from Holland-on-Sea, Essex, expressed his dismay after spending over four years delivering newspapers to his elderly customers. He shared his disappointment and the abrupt loss of connection with the community he served.
Customers were informed of the service switch, which promised a faster and more reliable delivery service. Many young workers were notified in late October that their jobs were at risk, with some unaware of the imminent end date. The impact on the affected communities, like Holland-on-Sea, where the paper rounds were a vital part of local life, has been significant.
Ben Peters highlighted the strong bonds he had formed with his elderly customers, emphasizing the sense of community and support he provided beyond just newspaper delivery. The sudden change in service providers left many customers concerned, with disruptions reported during the transition.
The layoffs have left many young workers disheartened and financially strained. Parents lamented the loss of valuable first-job opportunities for teenagers and the impact on local communities. Morrisons defended its decision, attributing it to the declining trend in newspaper home deliveries and the need to ensure a sustainable service for its remaining customers.
Despite facing criticism, Morrisons insists that the service transition was necessary to maintain quality and efficiency in newspaper deliveries. The affected employees, most of whom worked part-time, have been offered support during this challenging period.