TRADE union Unite has called on Sainsbury’s to rule out compulsory redundancies as it proceeds with a jobs shake-up that puts thousands of posts at risk.

The supermarket giant plans to cut £185 million in costs this year and part of that package involves “restructuring” its stores to reduce the number of shop-floor management posts.

It says employees will be able to apply for a smaller number of better-paid management roles or accept non-managerial posts. Otherwise they will face redundancy.