HOT counters and delis will close in Tesco stores – putting more than 2,000 jobs at risk.

The supermarket giant has revealed plans to change management structures at larger stores, meaning around 2,100 jobs could go.

Counters and hot delis will close on February 26, it is understood.

However, around 1,800 new shift leader roles would be created in stores, the chain said.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and ROI chief executive officer, said: “These are difficult decisions to make, but they are necessary to ensure we remain focused on delivering value for our customers wherever we can, as well as ensuring our store offer reflects what our customers value the most.

“Our priority is to support those colleagues impacted and help find alternative roles within our business from the vacancies and newly created roles we have available.”

Tesco has a large Tesco Extra store in Yeovil, as well as supermarkets in Dorchester, Ferndown, Shaftesbury and Salisbury.