STAFF have reacted with anger over a supermarket’s plans to close its works canteens.

If the proposals are approved, subsidised meals and up to 20 jobs could be lost at Asda’s four stores in Bolton.

Axing the canteens and replacing them with vending machines is part of a national cost-cutting initiative by the supermarket chain.

It affects Asda stores at Brackley Street in Farnworth, Manchester Road, Burnden, at Moss Bank Way, Astley Bridge and Horwich’s Middlebrook retail park.

An Asda spokesman said the move was “currently a proposal” and no final decision had been made.

However, the move has angered staff in Bolton.

One worker, who asked not to be named, said: “What Asda are doing means that we will be unable to have great home cooked food for breakfast and dinner. We will be left with a kettle, toaster, microwave and vending machine.

“So all the staff who work very long hours will not be able to have hot food and the staff starting at 4am will be unable to have a good hearty breakfast.”

The Asda spokesman said: “We are always looking at how we can be as efficient as possible in the way we operate our business and offer the best to our colleagues.


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“We’re currently looking at investing in a new food vending offer in our older superstores, which will ensure all our colleagues have access to a healthy range of food, night and day.

“Our new stores and supermarkets already have a vending operation, which offers colleagues a range of sandwiches, salads and snacks and nutritious microwavable meals 24 hours a day.

“We think this way of providing our colleagues with food could provide a healthy and varied option.

“No final decision has been made and we are consulting with colleagues on the detail of these propels to make sure we take into account all views.”

The news came days after Asda — owned by US giant WalMart — announced 200 jobs will go, mainly at its Leeds headquarters, as part of a cost-saving plan to fight rivals.