British Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s is creating a new management role for training staff, which union leaders claim could lead to the loss of hundreds of jobs.

Union officials at Unite say the restructuring will affect its members in the North working in Holywood, West Belfast, Strand Road and Dungannon.

Unite's Sean Smyth said UK-wide management plans to restructure nightshifts and reduce store trainers would mean that more than 200 jobs would go in stores across the North.

"We are deeply disappointed by proposals published by Sainsbury's, which threaten to reduce its employment cohort by 2,500 across the UK including a net reduction of 600 store trainers and 1,900 night shift positions. We estimate the potential impact in Northern Ireland to be more than 200 positions affecting approximately 120 members of Unite.

“While these proposals will impact on all Sainsbury’s stores, we are most concerned about the potential impact on the workforce in stores in Holywood, West Belfast, Strand Road and Dungannon.”

Sainsbury’s said in a statement: “We’ve introduced new learning and development programmes to ensure our colleagues can continue to deliver the very best service to our customers.

“Following this we’re now creating a new management role that will provide enhanced training support across a number of stores. This position will replace the existing store trainer role.

“We’re conducting a consultation process with all affected colleagues, who will have the opportunity to apply for the new, senior roles.

“We currently employ 870 store trainers. We’re now creating around 280 new learning and development manager positions and all affected colleagues will have the opportunity to apply for these more senior roles. We will also look to redeploy affected colleagues where possible.”