Sky News revealed earlier this month how the company, which also owns Argos, had refused to rule out job losses under the strategy update for investors.

It included a greater focus on food within its supermarkets, claiming more space from general merchandise and clothing.

Sainsbury's said it was also targeting greater use of automation under the plans, which aimed to save £1bn over three years to boost investment in the business.

The company said it hoped to redeploy many of the 1,500 people affected by the changes.

The jobs will go at its store support centre, contact centre operations, in its in-store bakeries and in its general merchandise fulfilment network.

Sainsbury's said it had proposed to colleagues in its Widnes contact centre, who operate the Careline service, that they should transfer to an existing partner.

It said a more efficient way of providing its bakery service meant jobs would go in that part of the business.

Chief executive Simon Roberts said: "Our Next Level Sainsbury's strategy is about giving customers more of what they come to Sainsbury's for - outstanding value, unbeatable quality food and great service.

"One of the ways we're going to deliver on this promise is through our Save and Invest to Win programme.

"As we move into the next phase of our strategy, we are making some difficult, but necessary decisions.

"The proposals we've been talking to teams about today are important to ensure we're better set up to focus on the things that create a real impact for our customers, delivering good food for all of us and building a platform for growth.

"I know today's news is unsettling for affected colleagues and we will do everything we can to support them."