Sainsbury's has revealed plans to cut over 3,000 jobs and shut down its remaining in-store cafes as part of a major restructuring effort. The job cuts account for around 2% of the retailer's
current workforce, which numbers approximately 148,000 employees.
As part of this overhaul, the company aims to streamline operations by reducing senior management roles by 20%. The strategy focuses on creating fewer but larger roles while simplifying management and head office structures.
The supermarket chain confirmed its decision to close its remaining 61 in-store cafes, pending a consultation process. According to Sainsbury's, most shoppers do not use the cafes frequently, while in-store food halls and concessions have gained popularity among customers.
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury's Chief Executive, described the current financial climate as a "particularly challenging cost environment," prompting the company to reassess its priorities. He stated:
“As we enter the second year of our strategy and beyond, we are navigating a particularly tough cost environment. This has forced us to make difficult decisions about where to allocate investment and where to implement changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
“The measures we are announcing today are necessary to maintain our progress, but they also involve tough choices that affect our committed colleagues in several areas of the business. We are committed to providing as much support as possible to those impacted by these changes.” Photo by Chris J Dixon, Wikimedia commons.