SUPERMARKET workers face an anxious future under company plans to change job rotas and shop opening times.

Tesco has revealed proposals to alter night-shifts and cut 24-hour store operations.

Bosses told The Northern Echo no redundancies have yet been made and said consultations are underway with staff.

However, they refused to rule out the potential of job losses.

In a blueprint, the firm’s Bishop Auckland and Consett Extra outlets, which run through the day and night, will see their opening times slashed.

It is understood 24-hour openings will remain in place at Tesco Extra stores in Askham Bar and Clifton Moor, York, though changes are expected at Clifton Moor, which will impact night-shift staff.

A further raft of outlets, based across the UK, will stop shelf-stacking through the night and switch the work to day teams to keep displays full during busiest periods.

One Bishop Auckland worker, who wished to remain anonymous, said staff are under the impression they could lose their jobs as soon as early November.

Another worker added: “I’m disgusted and very saddened at how this has been delivered.

“With three young children to support I could cry; but tears are one thing Tesco won't take from me.”

In response, a company spokesperson said: “Across the UK we’re making some changes in a number of our stores, including some large stores in the North-East, to help us run them more simply and deliver the best possible service for customers.

“We understand this may be disruptive for some colleagues and where there have been changes to a colleague’s role we are working with them to ensure they are fully supported.”

The Northern Echo understands nearly 150 of Tesco’s stores will move away from night-shift operations, with 30 of its 24-hour sites changing their hours.

Tesco officials say the proposals will support chief executive Dave Lewis’ drive to build on consecutive quarters of sales growth.

Mr Lewis is leading the supermarket’s revival after a £326million black hole was discovered in its accounts.

He has since stabilised sales decline by adding new product ranges and selling off parts of the business not deemed essential to its future, including Dobbies Garden Centres, which has bases in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, and Ponteland, near Newcastle Airport.