Supermarket chain Morrisons has confirmed reports that it is planning to cut 2,600 jobs in order to reduce its management levels as part of a plan to streamline its business.

The former chairman, Sir Ken Morrison, told the BBC that the announcement was "very disappointing" and that a more hands-on approach was needed.

Dalton Philips, Morrisons' chief executive, commented: "This is the right time to modernise the way our stores are managed. These changes will improve our focus on customers and lead to simpler, smarter ways of working."

The group is planning to create 1,000 new jobs in its convenience division as well as 3,000 in new locations. Morrisons said that it will offer staff whose jobs are to be cut employment in these areas.