A MP has urged Morrisons to rethink its restructuring plans after the supermarket giant confirmed of the possibility of redundancies in Bradford.

After being contacted, the T&A understands that around 200 staff within the supply chain function at Morrisons Head Office, in Gain Lane, Bradford, have been placed into consultation ahead of planned redundancies toward the end of March.

A Morrisions spokesperson confirmed the possibility of redundancies in Bradford as the company continues with its "plan to simplify and speed up the business".

The spokesperson added: "As a consequence we are proposing changes in some central teams to improve how we operate and this means there is the possibility of redundancy for a very small number of positions within those teams."

Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East, said: "These plans that could see up to 200 redundancies are extremely distressing for those staff at Morrisons' Head Office during what is an already difficult and turbulent time for the local economy and job market, and I am deeply concerned that Morrisons’ plans are not just a restructure, but the outsourcing jobs both out of Bradford and out of the country.

"Whilst many businesses have had an extremely difficult year due to the pandemic, grocery retailers such as Morrisons have seen a rise in sales, and their staff have played key roles in helping to feed the nation during this crisis.

"Threats of redundancy are therefore no way to treat them, and I urge Morrisons to rethink the impact that their plans will have."

Cllr Riaz Ahmed (Lib Dem, Bradford Moor) said: "I'm disappointed by the loss of jobs in the area. It's a massive blow.

"I hope the consultation between the company and staff is able to reduce the number of redundancies, especially in this dire economic climate."

Cllr Mohammed Shafiq (Lab, Bradford Moor) said: "I'm sorry to hear about the redundancies made at Morrisons.

"Any job losses are a concern, particularly at such a difficult time when communities and families are struggling.

"I hope they minimise the redundancies as much as possible."

"I'm sad to hear there could be 200 jobs lost at Morrisons," said Cllr Zafar Iqbal (Lab, Bradford Moor). "When Morrisons brought their headquarters here we welcomed it.

"As we move out of the pandemic and as furlough comes to an end, we'll see more and more redundancies across the district. We can't avoid it. It's impossible.

"We have to be united to get through these times."

The Morrisons spokesperson added: "We will consult with our colleagues over these proposals.

"We want to retain as many within the business as possible and will be offering them support throughout the process."