Tesco has announced changes to its stores which will result in a reduction of around 4,500 jobs.

A statement from the supermarket chain explained that it has begun conversations with colleagues about operational changes, which will “simplify and reduce processes and administrative tasks” across all of its 153 Metro stores.

It blamed an “increasingly competitive and challenging retail environment” and the fact that the Metro format was originally designed for larger, weekly shops, but today nearly 70 per cent of customers use them as convenience stores, buying food for that day.

Changes include: faster and simpler ways of filling shelves, with fewer products stored in back rooms and more stock going straight to the shop floor; colleagues working more flexibly across the store to improve customer service at the busiest times of the day and in the right areas of the store; and a leaner management structure.

Tesco is also making some small changes in 134 of its 1,750 Express stores, where customer footfall is lower. Changes in these stores will include a slight reduction in opening hours during quieter trading periods at the start and end of the day, as well as simplifying stock routines.

There will also be some localised changes in some large stores, which will see streamlining operational routines, including processes for moving stock around the store and filling shelves.

Jason Tarry, UK and Ireland chief executive, commented: “In a challenging, evolving retail environment, with increasing cost pressures, we have to continue to review the way we run our stores to ensure we reflect the way our customers are shopping and do so in the most efficient way.

“We do not take any decision which impacts colleagues lightly, but have to make sure we remain relevant for customers and operate a sustainable business now and in the future.”

The latest round of job cuts comes after Tesco revealed in January that it was looking to review 9,000 jobs across 90 fresh food counters in its largest supermarkets, along with roles in the head office, staff canteens and the on the shop floor.

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