Discount supermarket chain Lidl has announced plans to eliminate 130 positions in its human resources (HR) and recruitment divisions, just weeks before the festive season.
Workers across the company’s HR departments were informed about the potential redundancies on Friday, sparking widespread concern among those affected.
The positions under threat are spread across various regional distribution centres throughout the UK.
The restructuring forms part of a broader efficiency drive within the retailer’s British operations.
While the company plans to remove these regional roles, it will simultaneously create 100 new positions at its south-west London headquarters in Tolworth.
This follows Tuesday’s announcement that UK unemployment rose unexpectedly to 4.8 per cent in the three months to August.
The supermarket intends to consolidate its HR operations by transferring functions from regional warehouses to a single location at Lidl House, its corporate base.
This centralisation marks a significant shift in how the retailer manages its human resources infrastructure across Britain.
As part of the reorganisation, the supermarket will establish 100 new HR positions at its head office. These roles are designed to support the company’s growth ambitions while streamlining administrative processes.
The move affects HR personnel stationed at distribution centres nationwide, who now face potential relocation or redundancy.
Lidl has announced plans to eliminate 130 positions in its human resources and recruitment divisions
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GETTY
The retailer maintains that consolidating these departments will enhance operational effectiveness and create a more robust framework for future expansion.
Employees were notified of the proposed changes on October 10, triggering a three-month consultation process.
The affected workers now face an anxious wait as formal discussions begin regarding their futures with the company.
One member of staff took to LinkedIn to express their dismay at the announcement.
Unemployment figures released on Tuesday
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ONS
“After a very unexpected announcement on Friday, the entire HR and recruitment teams at Lidl, including my role, has entered the 90 day consultation period for redundancy,” the employee wrote.
A senior employee in the company’s recruitment department also took to the social media platform to express their “shock” at the decision.
“While this news was a shock, I’m stepping forward with optimism and energy,” they wrote.
The timing is particularly difficult, with the consultation period potentially concluding shortly before Christmas.
This could leave numerous employees without work during the traditionally expensive festive period.
A company spokesperson provided an official response to the announcement.
“As a fast-growing business with strong momentum, we’ve undertaken a strategic review of our operations to ensure we’re built on the right foundations to support our ambitious expansion plans now and in the future,” they said.
They confirmed that regional HR departments would be consolidated at Lidl House, potentially affecting positions at distribution centres.
“These proposals are designed to improve the efficiency of our operations, and strengthen our business model,” they added.
“The supermarket acknowledged the impact on its workforce.
“We know this will be an unsettling time for some, and we are committed to supporting affected colleagues, including exploring alternative roles wherever possible,” the spokesperson said.
The retailer revealed earlier this year that it planned to reduce its head office workforce by 70 positions through a separate restructuring initiative.
This latest announcement adds to a series of job reductions within the company’s administrative functions.
Morrisons announced in January that it would remove 200 positions from its customer service, staff engagement and payroll divisions
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MORRISONSThe German chain joins several major British supermarkets in cutting corporate staff numbers during 2025.
Morrisons announced in January that it would remove 200 positions from its customer service, staff engagement and payroll divisions.
Sainsbury’s similarly confirmed at the start of the year that 3,000 head office roles would be eliminated.
These widespread redundancies reflect ongoing pressures on retailers to reduce operational costs and streamline administrative structures.