Sainsbury's is to close 200 of its in-store cafes, putting around 2,000 workers at risk of redundancy.
The supermarket chain also announced plans to end its hot food range in 34 stores and ‘simplify’ its bakery counters in 54 stores.
Chief executive Simon Roberts said the chain was "absolutely committed" to supporting the members of staff affected.
However, bosses today said around 2,000 workers have been placed on consultation.
Colleagues affected will be prioritised for vacant roles in Sainsbury’s stores and will be encouraged to explore alternative roles within the wider business, a statement said.
Around 67 Sainsbury’s cafes will stay open while Sainsbury’s pushes through the plans.
Are you a Sainsbury's worker affected by the changes? Get in touch: emma.munbodh@mirror.co.uk
The measures are part of a wider transformation of the Big Four grocer’s food hub, which will see it transform its eat-in, takeaway and home delivery food and drink offerings in 250 stores.
The new concept, named The Restaurant Hub, is already underway at its Selly Oak store in Birmingham.
It means more cafes across the UK will be replaced with chains such as Starbucks and Gourmet Burger Kitchen in the coming months.
Around 30 more Starbucks coffee shops will open in stores over the next year, a statement said.
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s chief executive officer, said: “We are totally focused on improving what we can deliver for our customers and at the same time, working hard to make our business simpler.
“As we go through this period of transition, we have taken the difficult decision to close 200 of our cafes next month.
“We have spoken to all colleagues affected by these changes today and are absolutely committed to supporting them in any way we can during this uncertain time. Of course, we understand this is very unsettling for our colleagues, but we must keep adapting our business to make sure we are offering customers the best possible food and drink at affordable prices.”
Sainsbury’s already cut 1,150 jobs under a restructuring last March.
The move affected 500 workers across commercial operations, HR, supply chain and logistics, technology, general merchandise and TU clothing.
Meanwhile, the chain’s head office in Holburn, central London, had its space reduced by two floors.
The restructuring included the closure of its online fulfilment centre in Bromley-by-Bow, east London – affecting another 650 roles.
The Big 4 grocer said the move was aimed at freeing up money to reinvest a new “Food First” strategy.
The cuts were the second in just months, after it cut 3,500 jobs in November 2020.
The grocer - which had a total workforce of 172,000 - said it would permanently close all meat, fish and deli counters.
Is the Sainsbury's cafe near me closing?
Sainbury's cafes at the following supermarkets will remain open. If your store is not listed, it has been earmarked as one of the 200 cafes for closure.
Fosse Park
Truro
Rustington New
Scarborough
Marsh Mills
Waterlooville
Penzance
Springfield
Godalming
Bognor Regis
Kings Lynn Hardwick
Thanet Westwood Cross
Lincoln
Ely
Warren Heath
Durham
Monks Cross
Emerson Grn
Castle Point
Bamber Bridge
Longwater Lane
Hazel Grove
Weedon Rd
Morecambe
Leicester North
Nantwich
Pepper Hill
Chichester
Hereford
Bury St.Edmunds
Larkfield
Cheadle
Cannock
Rugby
Hedge End
Harrogate
Sedlescombe Rd
Pinhoe Road
Barnstaple
Hempstead Valley
Bridge Mead
Wakefield - Marsh Way
Swadlincote
Torquay
Talbot Heath
Isle Of Wight
Darlington
Harlow
Leek
Dewsbury
Marshall Lake
Whitchurch
Macclesfield
Winterstoke Rd
Preston
Didcot
Christchurch
Denton
Stroud
Keighley
Archer Road
Stanway
Pontypridd
Rhyl
Newport
Wrexham
Pontllanfraith
