Up-to-date coverage of the latest events in UK retail.

Sainsbury’s staff take further strike action

Sainsbury’s staff at its Waltham Point distribution centre have called further strike action, according to their union, as disputes continue over changes to the retailer’s attendance policy.

Two 24-hour strikes at the depot will take place – one today and another this Sunday – according to Usdaw. The union said the ongoing dispute had already seen two one-day stoppages and relates to changes to the attendance policy which are being unilaterally implemented by the company.

Usdaw spokesman Nigel Scully said: “Usdaw is frustrated and disappointed that the company continues not to be prepared to discuss the key issues that we do not agree on and have been unable to come up with an acceptable offer regarding the attendance scheme onsite.”

Sainsbury’s said the current policy was the result of a more than two-year consultation with both the union and staff. Retail Week understands all current staff have signed up to the new policy and attendance rates have improved significantly as a result. 

Mulberry appoints new finance director

Luxury fashion brand Mulberry has poached its new group finance director, Charles Anderson, from Ted Baker. 

Anderson will take up his new role at the retailer in October. He replaces Neil Ritchie who announced he would be stepping down from the business in June. 

Anderson previously spent 17 years at Ted Baker, where he was first head of finance and then group finance director. He was also responsible for its international expansion and systems transformation and oversaw its investor relations programme. 

He has also worked for House of Fraser, NatWest and Carpetright. 

Mulberry boss Thierry Andretta said: “We are delighted to welcome Charles to the Mulberry team. His experience of developing and overseeing a global finance function during a period of international expansion will be relevant as we grow Mulberry worldwide.”