Sainsbury’s is set to cut up to 3,500 jobs as it closes more than 400 standalone Argos stores, along with all meat, fish and deli counters.

The supermarket chain stated that around 150 Argos stores would be moved into its supermarkets to reduce costs.

Sainsbury’s stated that it would aim to find new roles for all affected staff affected, with the overall number of people it employs due to rise by 6,000 by March.

New chief executive Simon Roberts said: “COVID-19 has accelerated a number of shifts in our industry – investments over recent years in digital and technology have laid the foundations for us to flex and adapt quickly as customers needed to shop differently.”

The changes follow Sainsbury’s recent report of £137 million pre-tax loss during the six months to 19 September - down from a £9 million profit in the same period last year - as total sales fell 1.4 per cent.

The retailer also stated that its percentage of online sales had risen to 40 per cent, compared with 19 per cent a year ago.

Sainsbury’s said it had faced one-off costs of £438 million related to the closure of Argos stores, as well as £290 million on protective measures for staff and customers during the pandemic.

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