Supermarket giant Asda ‘could axe up to 2,500 jobs over the next year’ in the latest blow to British retail
- Third biggest supermarket chain is to start consulting with staff over job losses
- The supermarket is currently in the process of being taken over by Sainsburys
Britain’s third biggest supermarket chain is to start consulting with staff over potential job losses next year which could total up to 2,500, it has been claimed.
Asda, which has been owned by US retail giant Walmart since 1999, has agreed to be taken over by larger rival Sainsbury’s.
The proposed merger is the subject of an inquiry by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Asda, Britain’s third biggest supermarket chain is to start consulting with staff over potential job losses next year which could total up to 2,500, it has been claimed
Jobs in the George areas of Asda stores could also be affected, it is understood.
Areas of work affected by any changes include petrol, bakery, back office and so-called hosting. The company declined to comment on any potential job cuts.
A statement 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.’
More to follow.
Source: Read Full Article