Asda eyes major job cuts as discounters bite

Asda has revealed that more than 842 roles are at risk of a pay cut or redundancy. In a handout given to staff, bosses said: “A proposition based on being the cheapest of the big four [supermarkets] is no longer a viable business model. We need to look at ways to reduce our operating costs to close the price gap with the discounters.”

The proposal could mean hundreds of section leaders being removed from the Walmart-owned retailer’s store management teams. Whilst many employees face having their hours reduced in 2018, with a no-frills approach to stacking and tidying shelves seen as key to taking on Aldi and Lidl, who now account for £1 in every £8 spent in UK supermarkets.

“This unsettling news comes at a stressful time for colleagues, especially in the busy run up to Christmas and New Year,” says Gary Carter, GMB National Officer for Asda. “GMB is representing a growing number of Asda workers, and colleagues will be looking for our support and protection during this time of upheaval. We will be making sure our members’ voices are heard loud and clear, working tirelessly to reduce and minimise any proposed redundancies. Asda’s future success depends on offering secure, rewarding and well paid employment. However volatile the retail sector might be at present, GMB will be striving to protect members' jobs and incomes."