Co-op jobs could be at risk over meat decision

Around a dozen jobs at the Channel Islands Co-operative Society could be at risk due to the supermarket's plans to potentially change the way they buy their fresh meat.

Eight members of staff in Jersey and five in Guernsey work in the butchery section of the supermarkets.

But the Society has decided to trial importing pre-packed meat from the UK rather than importing joints and butchering them locally.

The St Helier store in Jersey and the St Sampsons branch in Guernsey will both be taking part in the trial from now until the end of June.

The Co-op says they will be seeing how consumers respond before they press ahead with their plans.

They say their existing supply arrangements for primal joints are difficult to maintain as the mainland Co-operative movement has moved away from in-store meat counters. That means it is less cost-effective for them to continue here.

The Society is assuring their staff that if their butchery jobs are no longer available they will be offering opportunities for retraining and redeployment. (from ctv)