Supermarket with more than 1.2k UK stores to axe 150 jobs | UK | News
A union representing Asda workers has outlined its next steps as employees face “more questions than answers” following news that the supermarket is to cut 150 jobs. The company confirmed that discussions with the retailer are ongoing; One of the interviews was about 21 warehouses in the UK and the other was about a parcel delivery service.
General union GMB said on its Asda distribution workers page: “For some of you, learning that ASDA is proposing major changes that could put your job at risk will leave you with far more questions than answers. Your union will be with you every step of the way and we will do what we can to protect jobs.”
He added that the organization would represent staff in collective consultations, one-on-one meetings and “will work hard for the best deal for our members, whatever the outcome of this process.”
GMB added: “Your representatives are ready to support you. We won’t have all the answers yet, but we are collecting all your feedback and questions, ready to present them to the company at our first official meeting.”
In a separate message on the union, Asda ALS managers noticeboard said: “Yesterday, many of you will have received the news that ASDA will be starting consultations with GMB over proposed changes to how transport operations will be managed. Following this, ASDA said redundancies may be necessary. “I know this will be worrying news for many of you.
“Your union will do everything possible to protect jobs and secure the best possible deal for our members.”
An Asda spokesperson previously told The Express: “We are proposing to introduce a new regional structure for our transport teams to simplify our distribution network and deliveries to stores. This involves creating eight regional hubs, with a regional transport office co-ordinating activities in each region.”
“This approach will deliver many practical benefits, including reducing duplicate assignments, increasing regional flexibility, creating more consistent ways of working and reducing our reliance on agency and carrier support.”
Additionally, the company plans to make changes to its package delivery system.
An Asda spokesman added: “We currently process over 28 million parcels a year through a network that is not designed for this level of demand. As a result, less than half of our stores are able to offer next day parcel delivery, a service that customers now expect as standard from all major retailers.”
“By partnering with Evri, all 1,200 Asda locations will be able to offer next day collection and returns, providing customers with a faster and more convenient service.”
