MUSGRAVE, WHICH OWNS SuperValu and Centra, has announced that up to 82 jobs are at risk of being cut as a result of a “rapidly changing market.”

The retailer has indicated that the job losses will occur in its finance and human resources departments in Dublin, Cork and Belfast.

“These changes will enhance our ability to innovate, operate efficiently, and continue investing in our brands, our customers, and the communities we serve across the island of Ireland,” said the company in a statement.

“Regrettably, this means up to 82 roles across our finance and HR functions in Dublin, Cork and Belfast are at risk of redundancy.

“We recognise how difficult this news is and want to be clear that it is in no way a reflection on the commitment or professionalism of the colleagues affected.”

Meanwhile, a consultation process is now underway. Musgrave employs over 12,000 people on the island of Ireland. Its headquarters is in Cork.

It is hoped that redundancies will occur on a voluntary basis.

Musgrave, which was founded over 150 years ago, had a turnover of more than €5.2bn last year.

It comprises 16 retail brands including Daybreak, Mace, Frank and Honest, Donnybrook Fair and the Spanish chain Dialprix.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, remarked that this is “very upsetting and worrying news” for the workers of Musgrave and their families.

“I know the local community and all of Cork will be thinking of them,” he added.

Ó Laoghaire said “Musgraves is a major employer in Cork” and that the “workers have played a major role in building up the company”.

“I know the workers are worried for the future,” said Ó Laoghaire, “and I hope Government departments do everything they can.”

He urged Musgrave to engage with workers and added: “I know that historically there has been dialogue with the union there.

“If, through engagement with the Department of Enterprise, the jobs can be saved then that should be the objective. 

“If there are job losses, I hope that workers’ representatives can secure the best possible conditions for workers.”

Ó Laoghaire meanwhile said he contacted Musgrave himself today “to express my concern, to seek further clarity and information and to urge engagement with unions”.

He added that government departments, including the Department of Social Protection and Department of Enterprise, “need to stand ready and prepared to engage with the workers on the ground and to support them”. 

-With additional reporting from Diarmuid Pepper