Asda has announced plans to transfer 3,500 store cleaning staff to third-party employers, a move the GMB union has called “detestable.” The supermarket giant will outsource the workers to Bidvest and NIC Cleaning Services, with Bidvest covering stores in the North and NIC Services in the South.
Union Condemns Outsourcing Move
The GMB says staff should retain the same pay, terms, and conditions under TUPE protections, but the union has not received guarantees about potential job losses after the transfer. Rachelle Wilkins, GMB Organiser, said: “This is detestable behaviour from Asda. 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.”
Wilkins also highlighted a contradiction: “We asked Asda in April if there was any further planned outsourcing and the company categorically replied ‘no’ - yet here we are in August. GMB has called 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.”
Asda Defends Partnership
Asda said it was the only major supermarket still operating an in-house cleaning model, with rivals having already moved away from it. A spokesperson noted that Bidvest and NIC have dedicated expertise and modern equipment, including enhanced toilet cleaning, steam cleaning of trolleys and baskets, improved maintenance of entrances and checkout areas, and increased use of specialist equipment and technology, including advanced robotics.
David Lepley, chief operating officer at Asda, said: “Our ambition is to deliver the cleanest stores in retail. We continue to review and invest in ways to enhance the customer experience, partnering with industry leaders to deliver the best solutions. This latest investment is another important step in our mission to raise the bar for customers. Having taken the time to learn from others, by partnering with Bidvest and NIC Services we have access to the very latest machinery and cleaning technology.”
Financial Struggles and Background
The move comes as Asda battles to compete on all sides in the fight for customers. The chain’s losses have soared after heavy investment in price cuts. Critics attribute its current difficulties to the debt-fuelled takeover by private equity firm TDR Capital and the Issa brothers in 2021.
