Sainsbury’s to axe 200 in-store cafes putting 2,000 jobs at risk

Sainsbury's supermarket
Sainsbury's supermarket
Wikimedia Commons
GB News Reporter

By GB News Reporter


Published: 01/03/2022

- 14:26

They announce further plans to introduce 30 Starbucks sites across its supermarkets

Sainsbury’s has announced that 200 of its in-store cafes will close this Spring leaving 2,000 workers unemployed.

This is the latest in a series of restructuring proposals by the supermarket giant as it struggles to keep its products at “affordable prices” amid rising costs.


Discussions over the closure of under-performing hot food counters in 34 stores are also under way, as well as changes to how it runs in-store bakeries of 54 stores.

Sainsbury’s informed staff of the cafe closures Tuesday morning and said those affected are encouraged to apply to other jobs within the business, for which they will be prioritised.

67 in-store cafes will remain open as restructuring and reviews of the business continue.

Sainsbury’s, the UK's second-largest supermarket chain after Tesco, is currently focusing on overhauling its dining, takeaway and home delivery food and drink experience across its stores.

They have unveiled a plan to introduce 30 Starbucks sites across its supermarkets as well as open 30 more restaurant hubs in stores in partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG), which includes the Caffe Carluccio’s, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Ed’s Diner and Slim Chickens brands.

Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s chief executive officer, said: “As we go through this period of transition, we have taken the difficult decision to close 200 of our cafes next month.

“We have spoken to all colleagues affected by these changes today and are absolutely committed to supporting them in any way we can during this uncertain time.

“Of course, we understand this is very unsettling for our colleagues, but we must keep adapting our business to make sure we are offering customers the best possible food and drink at affordable prices.

“We are totally focused on improving what we can deliver for our customers and at the same time, working hard to make our business simpler.

“We are really excited about this new customer offer we will be rolling out over the next two to three years across many of our stores."

In April last year, Sainsbury’s said 1,200 jobs were at risk from plans to stop baking products in some stores.

It also cut around 3,500 jobs due to the closure of fresh meat and fish counters in November 2020.

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