Jobs lost in another blow for struggling high streets
GMB, the union for ASDA workers, has criticised job losses caused by the closure of the Meanwood Supermarket in Leeds.
GMB has been working hard to save the store since closure was first announced in August.
The union has ensured vacancies in other stores were held so members had the chance to be redeployed.
Despite GMB proposing alternative working methods, ASDA’s Board decided that closure was the only option for the store.
People have now lost their jobs and it means another shop closing on our struggling high streets.
Neil Cole, GMB Organiser
Four members were forced to take redundancy following the decision,
The store was formally a NETTO which ASDA took over in 2011 and had been serving the local community for many years.
Neil Cole, GMB Organiser, said:
“The supermarket has been a community grocery store for a long time. Members have given years and years of loyal service to ASDA and have developed a rapport and familiarity with their customers.
“It’s disappointing ASDA has to this decision. People have now lost their jobs and it means another shop closing on our struggling high streets.
“We said at the start of the consultations we would work with ASDA to seek appropriate alternative roles elsewhere within the company and for some this we have achieved.
“GMB feels the store has been overlooked in recent years. It seems to have been been used as a training base for managers and lacked the buy in and commitment to sustain the unit over the long term and secure the jobs of our members in store.
“We are now concerned for the 2,500 other ASDA colleagues who were told last week that they may lose their jobs.
“This comes when morale in the company is at its lowest and when the daunting prospect of more store closures and job losses are on the horizon with the Competition and Mergers Authority giving their verdict on the Sainsbury’s- ASDA takeover in the New Year.”
