Jobs are at risk across Kent after Sainsbury’s revealed plans to axe 800 jobs at more than 100 supermarkets across the country.

The retailer is looking to cut management positions at mid-sized stores where bosses believe there is too much hierarchy.

The supermarket, which is having its market share squeezed by discounters Lidl and Aldi, expects to make £500 million of savings in three years from the move.

Night shifts will be replaced with early morning and evening work in some stores to improve availability for customers.

It is not clear which Kent stores will be affected, with a consultation process expected to last 45 days.

Jobs are at risk across Kent after Sainsbury’s revealed plans to axe 800 jobs at more than 100 supermarkets across the country.

The retailer is looking to cut management positions at mid-sized stores where bosses believe there is too much hierarchy.

The supermarket, which is having its market share squeezed by discounters Lidl and Aldi, expects to make £500 million of savings in three years from the move.

Night shifts will be replaced with early morning and evening work in some stores to improve availability for customers.

It is not clear which Kent stores will be affected, with a consultation process expected to last 45 days.

The company said redeployment opportunities will be available for most staff affected by its changes but that it would likely result in 800 fewer roles.

The aim is to reduce the number of department managers to give till workers and shelf stackers the chance to extend their hours or take on more shifts.

“These are exceptionally difficult decisions to make and we have not taken them lightly..." - Roger Burnley, Sainsbury's

The move follows changes already made in 33 stores last year and makes the company the latest supermarket to restructure amid growing competition.

Last year Tesco announced store closures and thousands of jobs losses, while Morrisons said it planned to axe up to 720 jobs from its head office.

Sainsbury’s retail and operations director Roger Burnley said: “These are exceptionally difficult decisions to make and we have not taken them lightly.

“I recognise that this will be a challenging time for many of our colleagues and we will do everything we can to support them and help them move through this period of uncertainty as quickly as possible.

“We set out very clearly last year that we have to reflect the changes in when and how our customers are shopping.

"These proposals will help us maintain and improve customer service by having more colleagues on hand and well-replenished shelves at all times.

“The formal consultation starts today and, where possible, we hope colleagues will opt to move to other roles or stores.

"We expect the new structures to be in place later this year and as a result, we will be set up to work more effectively together to better serve our customers.”