SAINSBURY’S was accused of blatant profiteering after the supermarket giant announced more than 3,000 job cuts, and the closure of its in-store cafes, in the wake of its biggest-ever Christmas trading period.

The headcount reduction represents about 2 per cent of the company’s current 148,000-strong workforce and will see about one in five senior management roles cut over the next few months.

It also plans to close its remaining 61 cafes, subject to consultation, and its remaining in-store patisserie, hot food and pizza counters.

Unite national officer for food Paul Travers said: “Once again, the lowest-paid workers are paying the price for corporate greed.

“Sainsbury’s is a hugely profitable company and made over half a billion in profit last year.

“Yet they are proposing thousands of store worker redundancies and deskilling qualified bakers by removing on-site bakeries.

“At the same time, well-paid managers are being protected from any job losses.” 

“This is a blatant example of profiteering on the backs of workers and then sticking the knife in.”

Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts said the supermarket was facing a “particularly challenging cost environment” as it moves forward with its company strategy.

The cuts come after Sainsbury’s announced its biggest-ever Christmas trading period and said profit for the full-year would likely be between £1.01 and £1.06 billion earlier in January.

But the supermarket is also trying to cut costs by £1bn per year, last year axing about 1,500 roles, mostly from a contact centre in Cheshire.

Usdaw national officer Bally Auluk said: “Sainsbury’s has informed Usdaw of its restructuring proposals and we will now enter into consultation talks with the company. We understand this will be a worrying time for those affected.

“Usdaw will be working hard to ensure our members are supported throughout the process and as many people as possible remain in employment with the company.

“Any Usdaw member with concerns should contact their workplace union representative.”