Morrisons has undertaken significant restructuring programmes affecting roles across the business. If your role at the supermarket chain is affected by restructuring or job cuts, understanding your statutory rights, the consultation process, and your options regarding settlement agreements under the law of England and Wales is essential.
What has been announced
- On 14 April 2026, Morrisons announced plans to cut approximately 200 head office roles in Bradford as part of an internal restructuring programme.
- On 17 August 2026, it was reported that nearly 5,000 jobs had been cut as part of broader turnaround efforts across the supermarket chain.
About the company
Morrisons is a major supermarket chain operating in the UK grocery retail sector.
The business maintains head office operations based in Bradford.
What happens next
When an employer proposes 100 or more redundancies at one establishment, UK employment law requires a minimum collective consultation period of 45 days before any dismissals take effect.
Where between 20 and 99 redundancies are proposed, the statutory collective consultation period must last at least 30 days.
Collective consultation takes place between management and employee representatives or trade union representatives to consider alternatives to dismissals and ways to minimise the impact.
Following or alongside collective talks, individual consultation meetings should be held with affected staff to discuss selection criteria, scoring, and suitable alternative employment opportunities within the business.
Voluntary or compulsory redundancy
An employer may first invite expressions of interest in voluntary redundancy to reduce or avoid compulsory job cuts.
Voluntary redundancy packages may sometimes offer terms beyond the statutory minimum, though applications are subject to employer approval.
If voluntary applications are insufficient to meet target reductions, the employer proceeds with compulsory redundancies using defined selection criteria.
Employees who are made compulsorily redundant and have at least two years of continuous service are entitled to statutory redundancy pay, calculated based on age, service length, and statutory weekly pay limits.
Your settlement agreement
Employers frequently offer settlement agreements to employees departing through redundancy or restructuring.
A settlement agreement is a formal contract in which an employee agrees to waive potential employment tribunal claims in exchange for agreed departure terms, which often include a severance payment.
To be legally binding under the law of England and Wales, you must receive advice on the terms and effect of the settlement agreement from an independent legal adviser, such as a solicitor.
Employers typically contribute towards the reasonable legal costs required for you to obtain independent advice on the agreement.
Common questions
What is the consultation period for 200 proposed redundancies?
Because the proposal involves 100 or more redundancies at an establishment, statutory rules require a collective consultation period of at least 45 days before any notices of dismissal can take effect.
Who qualifies for statutory redundancy pay?
Employees with at least two continuous years of service qualify for statutory redundancy pay. The amount is determined by age, full years of service, and statutory limits on weekly pay.
Do I have to sign a settlement agreement if offered one?
No. Signing a settlement agreement is voluntary. However, you must receive independent legal advice before signing for the agreement to become legally binding.
How Deen & Co helps
Deen & Co Solicitors provides calm, independent legal advice to employees affected by redundancy and restructuring. We advise on consultation fairness, explain your statutory rights, and review settlement agreements to ensure that the terms and financial arrangements are fair and appropriate for your circumstances.
Read more about settlement agreement advice or work out your statutory redundancy pay.
Sources
- Almost 5,000 jobs cut at Morrisons amid turnaround efforts - Yahoo News UK — Yahoo News UK (17 August 2026)
- Morrisons to cut around 200 jobs in head office restructuring - The Irish News — The Irish News (14 April 2026)
Last updated 9 September 2026. This page summarises publicly reported information and is general guidance, not legal advice on your own situation.
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