Asda rejects claims customers are unsafe in stores as 300 roles put at risk
The GMB union has called the process “shambolic” and asked for it to be suspended.
A consultation could reduce security guard numbers in Asda (Image: Getty)
Asda has rejected safety concerns after more than hundreds of security officers were placed at risk of redundancy.
Mitie, the company that Asda uses to outsource security officers nationwide, launched a consultation on plans to reduce security guard hours across 100 Asda stores as part of its latest round of cost-cutting measures. The move has put more than 300 people’s jobs at risk.
The GMB union has called the process “shambolic” and asked for it to be suspended as it could endanger shoppers and staff. Asda has rejected these claims, saying that the total number of guards would not change as a result of the consultation. A spokesperson for the supermarket said: “The statement that we have cut or reduced security roles is entirely incorrect.
“All stores continue to have security resources allocated according to the risk profile of each store, ensuring support is directed where it is needed across the estate.”
GMB has written to Mitie’s chief executive, Phil Bentley, claiming that there has been no comprehensive assessment of the impact on customer and staff safety.
Mitie provides security staff, technology, and response to Asda (Image: Getty)
They also said that the consultation (which ends July 24) is too short to allow for meaningful engagement and that some security guards were given incorrect information about the process.
GMB regional organiser Keith Dixon said: “Hundreds of security colleagues are facing the prospect of losing their job or seeing their hours cut, and they are deeply worried about what the future holds.
“Members are telling us this process feels like a done deal, not a meaningful consultation, and they have been hung out to dry by their new employer, Mitie.”
Asda said in January that it recorded 30,000 incidents of verbal and physical assault in its over 1,100 stores across 2025, saying customer and staff safety is an “absolute priority”.
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A Mitie spokesperson said: “Our contract with Asda is to provide 1960 security officers. Following this consultation, the overall number of security officers deployed across Asda stores will not be reduced.
“We have more roles available than colleagues affected by the consultation and are currently recruiting for over 600 security roles on the Asda contract with SIA Accredited relief guards and preferred supplier agency guards being used to ensure stores are covered.”
“The consultation looks at proposed changes to certain security roles relating to working patterns, including aligning shifts to store risk profiles, and in some cases time and store locations.
“This is designed to strengthen store protection for customers and colleagues and ensure security resources are where they are needed most. Wherever possible, affected colleagues will be redeployed in suitable alternative roles either on the Asda contract or in other vacancies within Mitie.”
