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.