Tesco ‘to give rivals a boost’ as it mulls job cuts by closing fresh-food counters

Supermarket rivals including Morrisons and Waitrose as well as butchers and fishmongers could get a boost if Tesco closes its food counters and bakeries.

The supermarket giant is poised to slash thousands of jobs and ditch its meat, fish and delicatessen counters in hundreds of stores.

Shore Capital’s veteran retail analyst Clive Black said: “By doing so, [Tesco] will create competitive waves for shoppers who appreciate the opportunity to choose their cut of meat or fish or buy a freshly made loaf.

“Independent butchers, bakers and candlestick-makers across the land may be cheering, as may the likes of Morrisons with its commitment to its Market Street served counter offer — maybe Waitrose too.”

Details of the cuts were likely to be announced on Monday. Evening Standard revealed last week that the grocer was poised to cut jobs from stores.