Co-op to make 770 community helpers redundant

The Co-op said its current model of community-led field work, comprising of part-time positions, was not as efficient as it could be.

Currently, Member Pioneers work four hours per week, and Member Pioneer Coordinators work 18 hours per week.

The number of jobs will be cut down and replaced by 61 new full-time equivalent “Member Engagement Activator” roles in August, who will be regionally-based across the UK.

Co-op has begun consultations with trade union Usdaw to discuss the planned changes and their impact on current employees.

Many Member Pioneers and Coordinators have expressed their anger about the redundancy announcements, saying that it goes against the business’ ethos of community care.

One wrote on X, formally known as Twitter, that the news was “very sad & disappointing” after working in the role for five years.

Another criticised Co-op’s move, saying that its “‘exciting new vision’ moves away from their traditional community values”.