Asda has announced plans to outsource the jobs of around 3,500 cleaning staff, triggering a fierce reaction from the GMB union and adding to mounting concerns over the supermarket’s restructuring programme.
The supermarket has begun the process of transferring its cleaning operations to third-party providers Bidvest and NIC Cleaning Services. The move represents the latest in a series of consultations affecting Asda employees, following earlier changes involving retail and security staff.
GMB has strongly criticised the decision, describing the outsourcing plan as “detestable” and warning that workers could face uncertainty over their pay, employment conditions and job security.
Rachelle Wilkins, GMB Organiser, said: “This is detestable behaviour from Asda.”
She claimed outsourcing companies have a “proven track record” of reducing pay, terms and conditions and potentially jobs after taking over operations.
The union said the announcement would leave thousands of cleaning staff worried about whether their employment would continue to provide the financial security they need.
The dispute also centres on the timing of the announcement. According to GMB, the union asked Asda in April whether further outsourcing was planned and was told categorically that there was not.
“Yet here we are in August,” Wilkins said.
GMB has called on Asda to halt the outsourcing process, at least until other ongoing consultations have been completed, and to reconsider the potential consequences for employees and customers.
The latest announcement comes as Asda continues to face significant pressure to reduce costs and reshape its operations. The supermarket has already announced major changes across its workforce and store operations as it attempts to strengthen its position in the highly competitive UK grocery market.
For the 3,500 cleaners affected, however, the immediate issue is employment security. The consultation will now determine how the transfer to the two external providers will be implemented and what it will mean for workers’ jobs, pay and conditions.