Tesco closes delicatessens with 2,100 jobs at risk

Tesco closes delicatessens with 2,100 jobs at risk

Tesco will no longer have deli counters in its stores as part of a shake-up of store management functions that will affect around 2,100 jobs.

Britain’s largest supermarket said it is reducing the number of chief and team managers in major stores as part of a management structure review, which will affect around 1,750 employees.

Tesco said it will also introduce around 1,800 new roles of shift leader in stores, who will be responsible for shop floor operational tasks.

It will close remaining counters and hot deli counters in stores from Feb. 26, after previously removing counters from most stores.

Tesco said all affected employees will be offered alternative roles. It was not said how many staff work at counters and delis.

The retailer also said 350 employees will be affected by a series of local changes, such as the closure of eight pharmacies and reduced hours at some in-store post offices.

Jason Tarry, Tesco’s CEO for the UK and Republic of Ireland, said: “These are tough decisions to make, but they are necessary to ensure we remain focused on delivering value to our customers wherever we can, and to ensure that our store offerings reflect what our customers value most.

“Our priority is to support affected colleagues and help find alternative roles within our company from the vacancies and newly created roles we have available.”