as many as 2,000 Sainsbury’s workers could lose their jobs as 200 instore cafes are set to close, the supermarket giant has said.

It comes as part of a wider shake up by the retailer to cut back on costs and transform its dining, takeaway and home delivery services.

Staff at 200 instore cafes were told on Tuesday that the closures would be as soon as the spring. Another 67 cafes will stay open, but under review.

To replace the cafes, Sainsbury’s has proposed to open 30 new restaurant hubs in its stores in partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group, which owns the likes of Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Carluccio’s.

This follows a successful trial partnership at the Selly Oak branch in Birmingham.

The supermarket chain has also proposed 30 Starbucks sites in stores as part of a plan to roll out its dining offering in 250 stores over the next three years.

Chief executive Simon Roberts said: “We have spoken to all colleagues affected by these changes today and we are absolutely committed to supporting them in any way we can during this uncertain period.”

He added that they understand “this is very unsettling for our colleagues, but we must keep adapting our business to make sure we are offering customers the best possible food and drink at affordable prices”.

In April last year, Sainsbury’s announced 1,200 jobs were at risk from plans to stop baking products in some stores, In November 2020 it cut around 3,500 jobs due to the closure of fresh meat and fish counters.