ASDA Considering Staff Redundancies

Sky News has reported that ASDA is to consult with staff on changes to working hours that could lead to around 2,500 job losses.

ASDA did not confirm or deny the number of jobs at risk.

Affected jobs are understood to include back-office staff, bakery and fuel departments, and George clothing salespeople. 

Walmart-owned ASDA is due to be acquired by Sainsbury's but the Competition and Markets Authority is undergoing an investigation into the £12bn deal, over concerns that the merger could lead to a worse outcome for shoppers, suppliers and competitors.

A spokesperson for ASDA said: "In a competitive retail market, where customers rightly expect great value and ease of service, we must always look at how we can work more quickly and efficiently for them - and inevitably, that means we need to consider changing the roles we need our colleagues to do or the hours needed in particular parts of our stores.

"We believe the proposed changes we are consulting on would allow us to do a better job for our customers.

"We also recognise that discussions about potential change aren't easy.

"If the decision is taken to implement the proposed changes we would work with our colleagues to look at the potential impact of these proposals on them."

Gary Carter, GMB union national officer, said: "These proposed redundancies are a hammer blow to Asda workers.

"The timing of this announcement, in the run-up to Christmas, is doubly appalling.

"Asda is performing well and is highly profitable because of the hard work of our members, who are the backbone of the company. GMB will fight tooth and nail for every single job.

"These cuts make no sense whatsoever. Slashing our members' jobs would hurt the service Asda customers receive.

"With all the speculation surrounding the proposed Sainsbury's merger and potential sell-off of stores, this news will not put anyone's mind at rest."

Source : Insight DIY Team 

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