TWENTY-ONE staff at Tesco in Saltcoats have been left distraught after being told they’re out of a job.

The supermarket giant slashed staff numbers at the High Road store as part of a national decision to cut employee numbers.

Tesco chiefs say the job cuts are part of “some operational changes to the way they run Metro stores in the UK.”

Councillor Jim Montgomerie said hit out at the decision after seeing staff “in tears” in the store - with one woman having to leave after working there for 40 years.

He told the Herald: “It’s an absolute disgrace. Yet again, honest, hard-working people are being hit where it hurts while the fat cats who make these decisions are not a penny out of pocket.

“I went in to the shop the other day to get a loaf of bread and one of the girls told me it was her last day. She had tears rolling down her face. I felt heart sorry for her. It’s appalling, it really is.”

Tesco say there will also be some localised changes in some large stores, which will see the streamlining operational routines, including the processes for moving stock around the store and filling shelves.

Tesco say they are trying to find alternatice roles for people affected by the changes. A spokesman said: “Our priority now is to support affected colleagues, helping find alternative roles within Tesco for as many as possible. We expect that these changes will lead to an overall reduction of around 4,500 colleagues.”

Jason Tarry, UK and ROI CEO, for Tesco, added: “In a challenging, evolving retail environment, with increasing cost pressures, we have to continue to review the way we run our stores to ensure we reflect the way our customers are shopping and do so in the most efficient way.

“We do not take any decision which impacts colleagues lightly, but have to make sure we remain relevant for customers and operate a sustainable business now and in the future.”

Have you been affected by the job losses?

Call us on 01294 447521.