Mitie puts over 300 security staff at Asda stores at risk

Security contractor Mitie has opened a consultation on cutting guard hours across around 100 Asda supermarkets; more than 300 security officers face redundancy, redeployment or reduced hours. The GMB union calls the process 'shambolic'; the consultation runs until 24 July 2026. UPDATE (24 July 2026): The consultation closed on 24 July with no outcome announced initially. The GMB union is demanding the process be suspended; Asda rejected safety concerns and said the overall number of security staff would not fall. Outcome (confirmed 3 Aug 2026): after the consultation closed, Mitie stated that the overall number of security officers deployed across Asda stores will not be reduced as a result; Asda also rejected reports that stores were at risk. The GMB union continued to describe the process as 'shambolic'. The case is therefore treated as closed with no net job cuts announced. Source: The Grocer, 24 July 2026.