B&Q has clarified that nobody has lost their job at the Penrith store following the rollout of self-service checkouts.
The company has also said it does not have any plans to make redundancies and points out that it is actually looking for new staff in Penrith at the moment.
This follows concern being expressed in an online debate about big brands introducing self-checkouts at their stores and the impact on local jobs and staff.
The company issued a statement which read: “We’re committed to making it easier for our customers to do their home improvement projects and regularly review our services to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
“With regard to checkouts, we offer both self-checkout and manned options. Our self-checkouts give convenience and speed to our customers who are looking to pay with a card, and there’s always a B&Q colleague on hand to help with any queries.
“We have modified the checkout format at B&Q Penrith, whilst retaining both checkout options. None of our colleagues have been made redundant as a result of this, nor are we planning on making any redundancies.”
Groups including Cumbria Chamber of Commerce have long warned there are not enough people in the job market to fill vacancies in the county.
