SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has announced job losses nationwide.

The UK's largest grocer said about 4,500 staff in 153 Tesco Metro stores are set to lose their jobs.

The Metro format was originally designed for larger, weekly shops, but today nearly 70 per cent of customers use them as convenience stores, buying food for that day.

The store also said it is making changes in 134 of its 1,750 Express stores, where customer footfall is lower.

Changes in these stores will include a reduction in opening hours during the quieter periods.

Jason Tarry, United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland CEO, said: “In a challenging, evolving retail environment, with increasing cost pressures, we have to continue to review the way we run our stores to ensure we reflect the way our customers are shopping and do so in the most efficient way.

“We do not take any decision which impacts colleagues lightly, but have to make sure we remain relevant for customers and operate a sustainable business now and in the future.”

The cuts are designed to “simplify and reduce processes and administrative tasks”.

Tesco management are now focusing their efforts on find alternative roles within the chain for as many as possible.

Currently within Redditch, there are two Express stores located on Shakespeare Avenue, and Willow Way in Batchley.

There is a Tesco Extra in Coldfield Drive.