Sainsbury's has confirmed it is cutting jobs after suffering its worst Christmas in ten years.
The supermarket chain has experienced a fall in profits during the past year, following similar announcements of disappointing performances by rivals Tesco and Morrisons.
It is unlikely any of the 500 positions to go will be in North East Lincolnshire, as they will affect staff based at store support offices in London, Manchester and Coventry.
Morrisons and Tesco will be closing loss-making branches across the UK and halting some new developments as they bid to get back on track, with the planned Sleaford Tesco one of those shelved.
Industry experts believe shoppers have begun to view the major chains as overpriced and instead switched their custom to continental brands Aldi and Lidl, as well as local independent retailers and markets.
