1,700 jobs at risk as Tesco simplifies operations

As part of the changes - aimed at improving efficiency and giving line managers clearer accountability for the colleague and customer experience - the roles of people manager and compliance manager will be removed from large stores and fulfilment centres in the UK. The role of customer experience manager, present in 226 stores, will also be removed, giving line managers more direct accountability for customer service.

Tesco is also creating 900 new roles with broader remits and said it will help all those affected by the cuts to find alternative roles within the business wherever possible.

Matt David, chief executive officer for UK and Ireland, said: "These changes remove complexity and will deliver a simpler, more helpful experience for colleagues and customers. We recognise these are difficult changes to make but they are necessary to ensure our business remains competitive and set up for the future.

“Our priority now is to support affected colleagues through these changes in any way we can. We hope to retain as many colleagues as possible in the new roles we have created and in the vacancies we currently have available.”

At 1510 GMT, the shares were down 0.3% to 207.20p.