Tesco hits back at Wiltshire job loss claims after move

The supermarket giant closed its superstore in Chippenham’s Emery Gate Shopping Centre on Thursday, August 15.

This unit, which had been trading since 2008, was replaced by a smaller Express store on the High Street the following day.

Since the move, rumours have circulated suggesting some jobs were axed, but Tesco has categorically denied that this is the case.

The retailer said there have been no compulsory redundancies as a result of the move.

This was emphasised by store manager Tommy O’Cain, who spoke of the importance of retaining the shop’s staff on opening day.

READ MORE: Sadness as Tesco superstore in Wiltshire closes permanently

The old Tesco after closing (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s a big change for colleagues and we’re trying to make that transition as easy as we can”, he said.

“Colleagues and customers are the most important things to us and I think they’ll all be happy.

“Everybody kept their job and has been redeployed, which in this economy was really great news.”

Some customers have also raised concerns about the loss of the larger store and the impact it may have on the town centre.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were now considering where they would do their shopping over fears about higher prices and a reduced range.

They said: “I was disgusted at Tesco's move to convert to an Express.

“The range has been much reduced, the prices have increased by orders of magnitude, and people cannot get what they were used to purchasing.

SEE ALSO: See inside newly opened High Street Tesco store in Wiltshire

The new Tesco Express store (Image: Newsquest)

“The increase in prices compromises people like myself who are on either low incomes or no income.

“Does Chippenham really, need another Express? A resounding no, I must now do serious thinking of where I am going to get the essentials that I need.”

The supermarket says its latest convenience store has a “wide range” of products and services available.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We are continuing to serve our customers in Chippenham at our local stores, including at our recently opened Express store on the High Street which has a wide range of great quality products and services available.”

Speaking on its first day in business, Mr O’Cain said he was pleased with the feedback from shoppers.

He added: “It’s been so positive, I was a bit worried how people would react with a larger shop closing but it’s been positive.

“Hopefully people will continue to shop here and enjoy it because I think they’ll be really pleasantly surprised by the range and size of the store.”