Tesco is shutting its remaining food counters and hot delis in overhaul that will impact 2,100 jobs 

Tesco has said it will shut its remaining counters and hot delis in a shake-up that will impact around 2,100 jobs.

The UK’s largest supermarket chain has also announced that it will be making a number of changes to store management roles and closing a a number of in-store pharmacies as part of the wide-ranging overhaul.

Tesco’s remaining counters and hot delis at stores will close for a final time on February 26, having earlier removed counters from the majority of its stores. 

Meanwhile, the number of lead and team managers in Tesco’s large shops is being reduced as part of  changes to its management structure – impact around 1,750 employees. 

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and Ireland chief executive officer, said the retailer will ‘support those colleagues impacted and help find alternative roles within our business’

The move will also introduce around 1,800 new shift leader roles in stores, leading operational duties on the shop floor.

A further 350 workers are expected to be affected by a series of localised changes, such as the closure of eight pharmacies and reduced hours at some in-store post offices.

The retailer says all all affected workers will be offered alternative roles, though it did not say how many staff work on counters and delis.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and Ireland chief executive officer, said: ‘These are difficult decisions to make, but they are necessary to ensure we remain focused on delivering value for our customers wherever we can, as well as ensuring our store offer reflects what our customers value the most.

‘Our priority is to support those colleagues impacted and help find alternative roles within our business from the vacancies and newly created roles we have available.’