Tesco plans to cut HUNDREDS of jobs by closing meat, fish and deli counters in 317 supermarkets

Tesco is set to cut hundreds of jobs as it axes meat, fish and deli counters in 317 stores and closes its Jack’s discount chain.

The company said it would close counters in stores with the “lowest demand” amid changes in customer habits.

It is understood the move will impact hundreds of workers, although the retailer did not disclose the total number of employees affected.

It added that it will close seven of its 13 Jack’s discount stores, which will affect 130 jobs at the sites and its head office.

The remaining six outlets will become Tesco stores and a spokesperson said people working in those six stores “will automatically be offered in-store roles”.

Jack’s – named after founder Jack Cohen – was launched by former chief executive Dave Lewis in 2018 as part of Tesco’s bid to cope with the rapid growth of German discount rivals Aldi and Lidl.

Jack’s – named after its founder Jack Cohen – was launched by former chief executive Dave Lewis in 2018 as part of Tesco’s bid to cope with the rapid growth of German discount rivals Aldi and Lidl.

Tesco said it “learned a huge amount” from the business to help it understand the discount operating model, which includes far fewer lines than its brick-and-mortar stores.

However, he said “now is the time to focus on pursuing the creation of great value in our core business.”

He added that his experience with Jack’s had helped his core business, Tesco, to be more competitive, with the supermarket chain posting strong sales and gaining market share since the pandemic hit in early 2020.

Jason Tarry, Managing Director of Tesco UK and Republic of Ireland, said: “Our Jack’s brand will continue to be sold through Booker and our symbolic brands, bringing great value and quality to even more customers.

“We would like to thank our colleagues at Jack for all they have done and taught us.

“Our priority is to find roles within our wider business for any colleagues who want to stay with us.”

Tesco said it would close counters in stores with the ‘lowest demand’ amid changes in customer habits

In 2019, Tesco undertook a major restructuring process which affected around 9,000 workers and included the closure of counters in 90 stores

Tesco said that in the 279 stores where there is “local customer demand” for meat, fish or hot deli counters, they will continue to offer counter services.

But in the 317 stores where Tesco sees its weakest demand, counters will be closed and space will be ‘refurbished’.

A spokesperson said there would be no layoffs as a result of the counter-changes “as affected colleagues will be offered alternative roles”.

In 2019, Tesco undertook a major restructuring process which affected around 9,000 workers and included the closure of counters in 90 stores.