SUPERMARKET Tesco has reportedly started consultations with 2,000 head office over job losses.

It comes a day after the UK's largest supermarket revealed it will close 43 stores as part of a turnaround plan.

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 shopfloor jobs are under threat across the UK.

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.

Earlier this month, it 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.