The grocer said the layoffs are part of a simplification of its central divisions and management structures, and include a 20% reduction of senior management roles.

In a bid to further streamline operations, Sainsbury’s plans to close its remaining 61 cafés, pending consultation. The retailer is revising its central management structures to bolster rapid decision-making capabilities.

Britain’s retailers face having to cut more jobs, drive harder bargains with labor unions and stagger pay increases to absorb the shock tax rises in the government’s revenue-raising budget that kick in this year.

British supermarket group Sainsbury's said on Thursday it was proposing to reduce its headcount by over 3,000 roles as it seeks savings to counter a "particularly challenging cost environment".

Sainsbury’s to axe 3,000 jobs as it warns of cost pressures - The cuts include a 20% reduction in senior management staff, which is understood to be linked to recent tax increases in the Budget.