Morrisons has become the third major retailer to propose changes to its stores’ management structure, which will see the removal of around 1,500 jobs and the creation of 1,700 roles.

The supermarket retailer has begun discussions with store management teams and their representatives about the proposed structure, which will aim towards more customer service roles and fewer managers.

The affected managers will be given the opportunity to stay within the company, as the company expects the net increase in posts to be around 200.

The company also pointed to the fact that there are currently “around 800 management vacancies in Morrisons stores”.

Gary Mills, Morrisons retail director, said: “Our aim is to serve customers better with more front-line colleagues in stores improving product availability and helping customers at the checkouts.

“Very regrettably, there will be a period of uncertainty for some managers affected by these proposals and we’ll be supporting them through this important process. Our commitment is to redeploy as many affected colleagues as possible.”

The news comes despite the retailer’s “especially strong” sales over the Christmas period, which saw sales of its Best premium range jump 25%, along with Food to Order sales that was up over 50%.

Morrisons joins Tesco and Sainsbury’s, which also announced similar moves in January.