Co-op to cut number of funeral directors

THE number of funeral directors in Wales is to be cut, industry giant Co-op has said.

Changes will see the amount of Co-op funeral directors in Swansea, Cardiff and Newport reduced as part an overhaul of the way the national service will run.

Across the three cities, Co-op Funeralcare currently runs 12 funeral homes along with branches in Pontypridd, Caerphilly, Risca and Barry.

But as part of a series of reforms a team of night crew will be introduced, meaning funeral directors will not be needed for overnight work.

On Monday a spokeswoman for Co-op confirmed a reduction in the number of the company’s funeral directors but said 10 jobs would be created as part of the night crew team. Wages of funeral service operative staff will also be reduced after 2020 as they will not have to work overnight or be on call out of hours.

No other closures are planned Co-op funeral homes.

Following the announcement those affected will be consulted by Co-op and workers’ union Usdaw in a bid to assign staff elsewhere within the company. for

In a statement Co-operative Funeralcare said the changes were not introduced to save money.

A spokeswoman said: “The traditional funeral is changing and we have to make sure that our business alters to meet the needs of families. Our focus is to ensure the client’s wishes are met whilst providing our colleagues with the right assistance, ensuring that they can continue to provide the very highest standards of care in the future.

“Our clients want more support throughout their bereavement, more information on what’s happening to their loved one, and more options on how to say goodbye.

“The changes we are making will help our colleagues to offer all of this. We will provide them with a stronger support network, potentially opening up new opportunities for flexible working and career development.

“For clients this will mean that they have a dedicated individual on hand right the way from the arrangement to the funeral service itself.

“The changes are not being introduced to save costs or reduce headcount. We are supporting colleagues through this transition and we will be consulting with them directly, to explain any changes and to help them on a personal basis.”