GMB has condemned plans by Asda to outsource around 3,500 store cleaning roles, warning that thousands of workers could face uncertainty over their pay, terms and conditions and job security.
The supermarket announced on Tuesday that it intends to transfer its in-store cleaning operations to third-party providers Bidvest and NIC Cleaning Services, in the latest proposed restructuring affecting Asda workers.
GMB, which represents thousands of Asda workers, has called on the supermarket to halt the process and accused the company of creating further uncertainty for staff.
Rachelle Wilkins, GMB Organiser, described the decision as “detestable behaviour from Asda”.
She said: “Outsourcing companies have a proven track record of slashing pay, terms, conditions and even jobs as soon as they have their feet under the table.
“Now loyal, hard working cleaning staff will be worried sick about whether their job will still pay the bills or whether the axe will fall on them.”
The union has also questioned the timing of the announcement. GMB says it asked Asda in April whether the company was planning any further outsourcing and was given a categorical assurance that it was not.
“We asked Asda in April if there was any further planned outsourcing and the company categorically replied ‘no’ – yet here we are in August,” Wilkins said.
The latest proposals come on top of other consultation processes affecting retail and security staff at the supermarket. GMB says morale among workers is already “at rock bottom”.
The union is now calling on Asda to pause the cleaning proposals at least until its other consultations have concluded.
“GMB calls on Asda to halt this process now – at least until the other consultations are finished – and consider what is best for its customers and staff,” Wilkins added.
The dispute comes as Asda continues efforts to reshape its business amid intense competition across the UK grocery sector. The proposed outsourcing of all in-store cleaning roles represents another significant change for its workforce.
GMB figure Warren Kenny also highlighted the row on social media, sharing coverage of the plans as the union stepped up pressure on the supermarket.
For GMB, the central concern is what outsourcing could ultimately mean for 3,500 cleaners who have been directly employed by Asda — and whether their existing jobs, pay and conditions will remain secure under third-party providers.
