Tesco axes its Jack's stores in 'devastating' shake-up

A supermarket giant which opened its pioneering budget brand in Chatteris has announced it is axing the Jack's supermarket chain and is closing deli and hot food counters in 317 stores.

The shock announcement made earlier today by Tesco to its staff has been described as "devastating" by retail trade union Usdaw.

The shake-up will reportedly cost up to 130 jobs.

Jack's was first launched in Chatteris in September 2018 in a bid to take on rival retailers Lidl and Aldi, which have quickly gained market share in recent years.

The grocery giant is keeping 279 meat, fish and hot deli counters open - but said it had seen a decrease in demand in some of its stores - it is unclear whether the March and Wisbech stores will be affected.

Tesco is closing seven of the 13 Jack’s supermarkets and will be converting six others to Tesco superstores, but it is also unclear whether the Chatteris store will be among those.

It will continue to sell food with the Jack’s logo on it in its Booker corner shops.

Daniel Adams – Usdaw National Officer said: “Tesco has informed us that they are looking to undertake restructures across the business. Clearly this will be incredibly unsettling for those who may be affected.

“We should not forget the role that key workers have played throughout the Coronavirus pandemic and to receive this news is devastating.

“Usdaw will do all we can to support members throughout the process and we will fully engage in consultation with the business with a view to protecting jobs and, where this is not possible, securing the best possible deal for those affected.”

There will be no redundancies as a result of the deli counter closures as staff will be offered alternative roles in stores.