Hundreds of trainers at Sainsbury’s store across the country face an uncertain future under plans by the supermarket giant to introduce a new management role for training staff.

Sainsbury’s has launched a 45-day consultation period, with the Unite union saying it will campaign for as many of the affected staff as possible to be redeployed.

According to Sainsbury’s the newly-created role is inteded to provide “enhanced training support”, with each manager to be responsible for a number of stores.

“This position will replace the existing store trainer role,” said the company. “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.”

Unite national officer Julia Long said: “This is very bad news for those dedicated workers affected by the planned job losses and Unite will be giving our members maximum support at this difficult time.

“We are severely disappointed as Sainsbury’s seems to have deep pockets when it wants as it has just forked out £1.4billion to purchase the Home Retail Group.

“We appreciate that Sainsbury’s has a good record of redeployment of staff in these situations and we will be exploring every avenue to ensure continuing employment for our members,” Ms Long added.