NORTH-EAST supermarket workers' jobs are at risk after Tesco confirmed shop closures.

The firm says it is shutting seven superstores, including one in Bedlington, Northumberland, and Express conveniences shops in Hartlepool and Whitley Bay.

It's Bedlington store employs 90 staff, with 18 working at Hartlepool and 15 at Whitley Bay.

The superstore will close on April 4, with the Express sites shutting on March 15.

In total, bosses say seven superstores and six Homeplus outlets will close across the UK, with 18 Express sites and 12 Metro shops also due to close.

The move means more than 2,000 jobs are under threat across the UK, with consultation due to start with affected staff.

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) says it will look into Tesco's business case for closing stores, and will fight to get workers alternative roles.

The changes are part of chief executive Dave Lewis' plans to revive Tesco's fortunes after it endured a disastrous 2014, which included an accounting scandal and profit warnings.

He said: "The decision to close the stores has been exceptionally difficult to take.

"I recognise it will affect hard-working staff, customers and local communities.

"Our priority is to explain what this announcement means for our workers and, wherever possible, offer them alternative roles."

Earlier this month, Tesco scrapped plans to create 1,200 jobs in the North-East after announcing four proposed developments had been cancelled.

It had been looking to operate stores in Stanley and Peterlee, in County Durham, with another near the Metrocentre, in Gateshead, and one in Amble, Northumberland.

Reacting to the announcement, Pauline Foulkes, Usdaw national officer, said: "This is devastating news for over 2,000 dedicated staff, who have worked hard to make shops viable during a difficult time for the company.

“We will now enter into full and meaningful consultation meetings on this proposal, where we will look closely at the company’s business case for the closures.

"Our priority is to maximise employment within Tesco, seek re-deployment opportunities for members, where possible, and to keep job losses to a minimum.

“We will support, advise and represent our members throughout this difficult period of uncertainty.”