ASDA has responded after Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid called on the retailer to have a rethink over ‘forced’ contract changes.

The issue over the controversial new contracts has been rumbling on for months.

But Mr Rashid says it is due to ‘come to a head’ in the coming weeks as staff across the country are ‘forced by Asda bosses’ to agree to agree to what has been put forward.

The Labour politician believes it will see staff at Asda’s Westbrook and Cockhedge superstores lose out on flexibility and holidays.

“It is deeply concerning that such a large employer in Warrington South is leaving their staff with no choice other than to accept these new contracts or risk losing their job,” he said.

“Many Asda workers with caring commitments are going to be severely hit by any loss in flexibility – this is an awful position for the company to put dedicated, hard-working staff in.

“Shoppers would be horrified to know Asda are leaving their staff with no real choice. Asda should think again.

“I understand some improvements to the original contract proposed have been won by GMB members in Asda, but I’ll be calling on Asda to work constructively with the union, its members and workers to seek a better deal and secure a decent future for Asda workers in Warrington South.”

The supermarket giant insists the ‘overwhelming majority of our colleagues’ have signed up to the new contract, which it says will provide a pay increase for more than 100,000 retail workers.

It also stated it will increase the base rate of pay to £9 per hour, plus premiums, while maintaining existing benefits including the annual bonus and colleague discount.

“The retail sector is undergoing significant change and it is important that we are able to keep pace with these changes,” a spokesman added.

“The overwhelming majority of our colleagues have signed onto the new contracts and while we appreciate that some of our colleagues find the changes more unsettling, we do not want any of them to leave.

“We have been clear that we understand colleagues have commitments outside of work and will not be asking them to constantly move the time they work, their days or departments.

“Any changes will be with at least four weeks’ notice.

“This contract is about increasing the take-home pay of more than 100,000 retail colleagues, through an investment of more than £80m, and ensuring that everyone doing the same job is on the same terms and conditions.”