Rugby’s MP Mark Pawsey sought reassurance on behalf of local staff in Rugby after an Urgent Question was raised in the House of Commons on the announcement that a merger is planned between ASDA and Sainsbury’s.
Alongside the ASDA superstore in the town centre and the Sainsbury’s superstore on Dunchurch Road, and a number of Sainsbury’s local stores throughout the constituency, Rugby is also home to the Sainsbury’s Support Centre based at Ansty Park.
The Support Centre is primarily concerned in buying, merchandising and designing products which reach the shelves of Sainsbury’s stores throughout the country. The Support Centre also plays a crucial role in Sainsbury’s environmental and sustainability operations, which includes promoting their strategy for recycling.
Mark sought reassurance from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Andrew Griffiths MP during the Urgent Question in the House of Commons. Mark also welcomed the fact that over recent years greater numbers of jobs in the support and logistics services have moved from London to the Midlands. The Minister, in his response, confirmed that staff at Sainsbury’s and ASDA will have the opportunity to make representations to the Competition and Markets Authority as part of the proposed merger.
Speaking after he questioned the Minister, Mark commented:
“Following the announcement by Sainsbury’s and ASDA, I swiftly made contact with Sainsbury’s representatives who have informed me that the proposed merger will not affect jobs here in Rugby. If the merger goes ahead it is vital that we preserve the jobs and skills of those working at both ASDA and Sainsbury’s throughout the area. I have visited to visit the Sainsbury’s Support Centre based here in Rugby and find out about the role which they play in ensuring that the food and products we enjoy makes it to the shelves.”
Mark continued:
“I am pleased that the Minister has said that the Competitions and Markets Authority will be taking representations from employees who may be affected by this proposed merger. Here in Rugby both Sainsbury’s and ASDA are major employers and play an important role in the wider community, so I want to ensure that their views are taken into account during this process.”
Mark concluded:
“Rugby is a great place for logistics businesses, such as the Sainsbury’s Support Hub, thanks to our location at the crossroads of the motorway network. We are home to a great many new businesses thanks to the development which has taken place at the Rugby Gateway and at Ansty Park and I am confident that we will continue to attract jobs and growth over the coming years.”