Frozen food retailer Heron Foods cuts jobs at Humber head office

The changes are said to impact fewer than 1% of the more than 5,500-strong workforce

Several jobs have been axed at the East Yorkshire headquarters of frozen foods supermarket Heron, with management stating they are part of alterations to the business. The Melton-based retailer – which operates a network of over 340 locations nationwide – confirmed a “small number” of employees at its head office had been affected.

The modifications are reported to impact less than 1% of the more than 5,500-strong workforce at the discount food company’s base. It stated efforts were underway to offer impacted employees alternative roles within the firm.

Last year, Heron slashed as many as 250 staff across the country, throughout its stores and warehouses as it grappled with declining sales and profits. However, the budget chain had pinpointed areas for growth – and is aiming for 10 new store launches in its current financial year.

Despite escalating costs, including from a rise in the National Minimum Wage, Heron said it was intensifying efforts to refurbish existing shops and relocate others, where opportunities arose to enhance customer experience and attract more consumers.

In January, the firm’s owner – discount titan BandM – issued a profit warning citing Heron’s weak financial performance. BandM executives said they were reassessing the company’s offering to customers, and chief executive Tjeerd Jegen spoke of a “back to BandM basics” strategy for the group, reports Hull Live.

A spokesperson for Heron Foods stated: “Unfortunately, a small number of roles at our Store Support Centre in Melton, East Yorkshire are impacted as part of changes within the business. Wherever possible, we have worked to transition affected colleagues into alternative roles within the business.

“These changes impact less than 1% of our workforce and are necessary as we continue to adapt to an evolving retail landscape. Our focus remains unchanged: providing customers with top-quality products at the lowest possible prices, every day in every store.”

Heron Foods originated as Grindells Butchers on Hull’s Holderness Road in the late 1970s. It has since expanded significantly and is now owned by the B&M group.

In the year ending 29 March 2025, the retailer launched 14 new and relocated outlets. This represented eight net additions following the closure of older and underperforming locations that had reached the end of their lease agreements.

Last year, the chain’s Cottingham outlet was relaunched following a refurbishment which introduced new-style freezers and its food-to-go meal deal selection. The Spring Bank West branch in Hull also underwent a makeover.