A former Sainsbury’s employee has said profit is being put before people after the company closed down its beloved café.

Sarah-Jane Chappell, 23, was left in shock on March 1 when she was told the Sainsbury’s Café she worked out in the Rayleigh Weir Superstore on Stadium Way would be closed down and instead replaced by a larger chain.

While it had not served hot food since the start of the pandemic she said it was a vital café for many older residents who relied on it as a chance to eat a cheap meal while getting out of the house.

Sainsbury’s said the move was part of their new partnership with Starbuck’s and the Boparan Restaurant Group who own the likes of Gourmet Burger Kitchen.

Echo: Sainsbury's Rayleigh Weir SuperstoreSainsbury's Rayleigh Weir Superstore

Ms Chappell, who lives on Spencer Road and worked 15 hours a week at the café for the past seven months, says the closure on April 22 means she and 11 colleagues were forced to take a job at the nearest other Sainsbury’s Café at South Woodham Ferrers or, like her, look elsewhere for a job.  

She said: “It was doing really well even throughout the last few days. We had a lot of goodbyes and got given money for a farewell meal.

“I believe they’re focusing more on profit margin more than the community it appeals to. You think with a big business like Sainsbury’s ‘my job is definitely going to be safe.’

She added: “I’m shocked in all honesty. A lot of us were happy and content and thought it was all going very well. We didn’t see anything wrong it. It was the customers who were the most distraught about it.”   

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In response to Ms Chappell a spokesman for Sainsbury’s said the changes were part of the newly announced partnership but did not confirm exactly which company would be based in the now boarded up café.

They added hundreds of employees in similar positions had been deployed to alternative roles.  

The spokesman said: “Last month, we confirmed we're transforming our eat-in, takeaway and home delivery food and drink offer through new food halls in partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group and cafes with Starbucks.

“Many of our cafes have now closed to support this roll-out and we will keep colleagues and customers updated on our plans.”