26th Oct 2018 14:31
LONDON (Alliance News) - Walmart Inc-owned UK supermarket Asda is consulting with staff regarding changes to the business which may lead to job losses.
The Big Four supermarket which is currently planning a merger with rival J Sainsbury PLC, said the proposed changes will make the chain more efficient for its customers.
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."
According to a press reports, as much as 2,500 jobs could be on the line, including roles in petrol, bakery, back office and so-called hosting.
Asda's clothes unit George could also be affected by the cuts.
The consultation will not start until the new year, with any redundancy taking place at the earliest in February, just weeks before the UK's anti-monopoly regulator's decision on the proposed merger with Sainsbury's expected on March 5.
The Competition & Markets Authority referred the merger for an in-depth investigation as it creates enough competition concerns.
The probe will look into whether the merger could lead to a worse outcome for shoppers, through higher prices, poorer shopping experience or reductions in the range or quality of products offered, the CMA said.
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