Tesco has announced it would reduce the number of stores open 24 hours, potentially leading to nationwide job losses.

The grocery giant has announced large reductions in staff hours, which means thousands of employees could lose up to 15 hours a week.

“We’re making some changes in a number of our stores to help us run them more simply and deliver the best possible service for customers,” a Tesco spokesperson said.

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“We understand that this may be disruptive for some of our colleagues, and where there have been changes to a colleague’s role we will be working really hard to ensure they are fully supported.”

Reports have said that staff using the employee “every little helps” forum have stated some of their hours have been cut from 37 to 22 hours.

Thirty 24-hour stores across the UK will see their opening hours reduced and 149 of Tesco‘s 3500 UK stores will “night replenishment operations” moved to the daytime.

Staff have expressed outrage at both Tesco management and the staff union Usdaw, which they believe is not doing enough to help those affected.

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