More than 300 security staff working at Asda stores have been put at risk of redundancy in a process described as “shambolic” by a union.

The GMB has written to Mitie which employs the security staff, demanding that the redundancy process is suspended. They claim the move could impact customer and worker safety, amid high levels of shoplifting.

Regional organiser Keith Dixon said staff are worried they could lose their jobs or have their hours cut. He said workers are complaining they have been “hung out to dry” by Mitie, their new employer.

Mitie said the consultation was looking at changes in work patterns, including aligning shifts to store risk profiles, and in some cases time and store locations.

Staff would be redeployed wherever possible.

Asda said the overall number of security staff would remain unchanged at 1,960.