Co-op is set to replace its Member Pioneer programme in a move that puts more than 750 roles at risk.
The retailer has entered a consultation period with 766 part-time employees, which are made up of 689 Member Pioneers and 77 coordinators.
It is replacing the programme with 61 new full-time equivalent Member Engagement Activators, who have “the sole remit to connect, engage and support member-owners in communities at a regional level, whilst making a real difference in how people experience our Co-op in their community”.
Co-op said the move will support its strategy of expanding its membership programme to 8 million active users by 2030.
The current programme, which is due to end in July after nine years, is made up of Member Pioneers, who work around four hours a week and are managed by coordinators, who work 18 hours per week.
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Co-op said the existing structure and systems don’t enable the Member Pioneers to maximise their time in the community and the limitations of role hours means it is not able to broaden the scope of these roles to engage in important, broader membership activities.
It said Member Pioneer coordinators will be offered the new role of Member Engagement Activator.
A spokesperson from Co-op said: “We have an exciting vision for the future, one which places Co-op Member Ownership back at the heart of our Co-op, with an ambition to grow membership from 5 million to 8 million active member-owners by 2030.
“As a result of this, we propose to evolve our existing Member Pioneer Programme from the end of July, with the new Member Engagement Activator programme live from August. We have commenced collective consultation with our trade union, Usdaw.
“We recognise the impact this proposal may have on a number of our colleagues and our priority now is to support those colleagues potentially impacted and help find alternative roles within our business including from the newly created roles and vacancies we have available.”
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