The Co-op is set to replace its Member Pioneer programme, jeopardising over 750 part-time roles.
The retailer has initiated a consultation period with 766 part-time employees, comprising 689 Member Pioneers and 77 coordinators.
The programme will be replaced by 61 new full-time equivalent Member Engagement Activators.
These new roles will focus on connecting, engaging, and supporting member-owners in communities at a regional level, aiming to enhance how people experience the Co-op in their communities.
The Co-op stated that this move aligns with its strategy to expand its membership programme to eight million active users by 2030.
The current programme, which has been running for nine years, is set to end in July.
It consists of Member Pioneers working around four hours a week, managed by coordinators who work 18 hours per week.
The existing structure and systems reportedly do not allow Member Pioneers to maximize their community impact.
The limited hours of these roles prevent broader engagement in essential membership activities.
Member Pioneer coordinators will be offered the new role of Member Engagement Activator.
A Co-op spokesperson 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 five million to eight 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 recognize the impact this proposal may have on a number of our colleagues and our priority now is to support those potentially impacted and help find alternative roles within our business, including from the newly created roles and vacancies we have available.”
