Unite, Britain and Ireland’s largest union, has called for urgent talks with Tesco bosses, following reports that the retail giant is planning to axe up to 15,000 jobs.
Unite has about 1,000 members in four of Tesco's distribution centres who deliver to stores across the UK. The centres are at Belfast, Didcot (Oxfordshire), Doncaster and Thurrock in Essex.
Unite national officer for retail distribution, Adrian Jones, said: "Our top priority this week is to arrange a meeting with Tesco’s management to get a clear picture of what the supermarket is planning, following media reports at the weekend that up to 15,000 jobs could be at risk.
"This is a very worrying time for our members who deliver to Tesco stores across the UK. While the reports centre on job losses in-store, such as at the bakeries and deli counters, we still need to know what this could mean for our members.
"What is required very quickly from Tesco is clarity on its intentions going forward. We will be giving our members, who are employed directly by Tesco, maximum support in the days and weeks ahead.”
