A MAJOR supermarket has announced proposals to close one of its Darlington stores, according to an MP.

Darlington MP Jenny Chapman has said Asda could close its store on Haughton Road.

She also revealed the supermarket has told her all staff can be redeployed.

The announcement comes as Asda is facing a backlash over plans to change workers contracts, which will result in employees lose out on flexibility and holidays.

However, Asda say the new contract provides a real terms pay increase for 95 per cent for employees, and the proposal represents an investment from Asda of over £80m.

They have also agreed a transitional payment for 18 months for any colleagues who would be financially worse off.

Ms Chapman said: "Asda tells me all staff can be redeployed. But at the same time Asda is forcing contract changes that will see staff in all stores, including Whinfield, lose out.

"The issue over these controversial new contracts has been rumbling on for some months but it is due to come to a head in the coming weeks as staff across the country are forced by Asda bosses to sign changes to their contracts. These changes will see them lose out on flexibility and holidays, with ASDA wanting employees to work any time, any place, and anywhere with only four weeks’ notice.

"Many thousands of ASDA workers simply won’t be flexible in the way that ASDA bosses demand and imposing a new contract won’t change workers’ childcare, caring, studying, family and other outside work commitments.

"One member of staff told GMB Union that “I haven’t signed up to Contract Six because I look after my disabled mum when I’m off work.” This member is not alone, in response to a recent consultative ballot, 93 per cent of respondents told GMB Union that they did not agree with the contract changes which were being forced on them.

"It is deeply concerning that such a large employer is leaving their staff with no choice other than to accept these new contracts or risk losing their job.

"Asda are a multi-billion pound, profitable company and they can treat their staff better than this.

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

Gary Carter, GMB National Officer, said: “It’s a total outrage Asda bosses are threatening staff with the sack if they don’t agree to this flawed contract. Shoppers will be horrified to learn of what is going on behind the scenes.

"Our hard-working members are telling us they are being forced into signing these new contracts for fear of not being able to pay the bills or put food on the table for their kids. It's sapping away morale and heaping misery on our members.

"Instead of strong arm tactics, Asda needs to show some respect and listen to the workers whose hard work make the company's profits. The Asda workforce deserve a better deal and the company should get round the table with us and agree changes that would help both our members and the business thrive."

“Asda is a multi-billion pound company, it doesn’t need to bully staff out of their hard won terms and conditions.”

An Asda spokesperson said: “Despite the very best efforts of our colleagues at our Darlington Haughton Road store, it sadly continues to underperform in a tough market. The store site is coming towards the end of its current lease and so it makes sense for us to consider its future.

“We never take the decision to consider closing a store lightly and appreciate that this is a difficult time for our colleagues in the shop. We are now spending time listening to them and ensuring we explore all options before making a final decision.”

Addressing the new contract, the spokesperson added: “This new contract will see Asda invest in a pay increase for over 100,000 retail colleagues, as well as enabling us to deliver better service to our customers in an intensely competitive marketplace.

"We are continuing to talk to our colleagues about this change and to understand what it might mean for their individual circumstances.”

Asda also has a store on Neasham Road and a superstore on Whinfield Road.