Thousands of jobs at risk as Sainsbury’s axes 200 in-store cafes
01.03.2022 - 20:29
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Sainsbury’s has said it will shut 200 cafes in a shake-up of its in-store dining which is set to hit around 2,000 workers.
The supermarket giant told affected staff at its cafes on Tuesday morning that it is proposing to close 200 sites in the spring.
The company listed the 67 stores where cafes would remain open, and only three are in Greater Manchester: Hazel Grove, Cheadle and Denton.
The remaining Sainsbury's cafes across Greater Manchester will close, although a spokeswoman for the supermarket was unable to say how many staff here are affected.
READ MORE: Moment fireball erupts as Russian missile hits Ukrainian government building
Staff in the cafes which close will be 'prioritised' for alternative jobs within the company, said the spokeswoman.
The company said it will also be consulting staff about plans to close less popular hot food counters in 34 stores and changes to how it runs bakeries in 54 branches.
It is understood this will affect a small number of employees and is included within the wider 2,000 figure.
It is the latest in a raft of recent restructuring moves by the retailer as it seeks to keep a lid on rising costs.
It said workers affected by the closures will be prioritised for vacant roles in stores and will be encouraged to apply for jobs elsewhere in the business.
The remaining 67 in-store cafes will stay open while the company reviews changes to its dining operations.
Its decision to close the cafes is a part of a wider move to transform its dining, takeaway and home delivery food and drink offer from stores.
Sainsbury’s said it will also open 30 more restaurant hubs in stores in partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG), which runs the Caffe Carluccio’s, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Ed’s Diner