The move is part of a major restructure for the retail giant, the largest since it was acquired by Wesfarmers in 2007. Managing director John Durkan confirmed the cuts, which had been the subject of speculation since early in the week, yesterday.
The cuts are only fraction of Coles; 100,000 workforce, but they have decimated the company’s IT operations. Durkan said 378 permanent staff and 60 contractors would go, but that some may be redeployed into the 160 positions the company has available elsewhere. “As part of Coles’ expanding financial services offer, we plan to create more than 70 positions.
Durkan couched the layoffs in terms familiar to those who have heard similar announcements from Australia’s corporations in recent years: "Team members affected by this decision have made a significant contribution to Coles and we sincerely thank them for their hard work.
“All departing team members will be provided with extensive support, including career transition services and, of course, their full entitlements.
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"To be a world class retailer, Coles needs to invest further in new stores, in renewing existing stores and in better service and value for our customers. Coles is absolutely focused on better supporting our stores and more than 99,000 team members so they can deliver what our customers want.”
Durkan said none of the jobs were being sent offshore, and pointed to the company’s new stores and investment in its current operations.
