A large number of the jobs will likely go from the group’s Argos arm, but there will also be losses in Sainsbury’s stores due to the permanent closure of delicatessens and fresh fish and meat counters

Big four giant Sainsbury’s has announced plans to cut 3,500 jobs amid ongoing restructuring plans as England enters a second lockdown.

The grocer – which has a total workforce of 172,000- said jobs will be lost through the permanent closure of all of its meat, fish and deli counters.

It said roles will also go as part of plans to imminently close 120 Argos stores, which is part of a strategy to shut 420 standalone Argos branches over the next three-and-a-half years.

The announcement – made on Thursday morning – comes as boss Simon Roberts warned the business is down 1.1% for the year, with fuel tumbling 44% and pre-tax losses of £137million.