SAINSBURY’S jobs in Rugby will not be affected by the supermarket’s proposed merger with Asda, Rugby’s MP has been assured.
All Rugbeians affected by the merger will also have their views taken into account.
Responding to Mark Pawsey’s concerns in the House of Commons, Junior Business Minister Andrew Griffiths said staff at Sainsbury’s and Asda – two major employers in the borough – will be able to make representations to the Competition and Markets Authority as part of the proposed merger.
Rugby is home to the Sainsbury’s Support Centre based at Ansty Park, which accommodates up to 1,000 of Sainsbury’s senior and creative staff.
Alongside the Asda superstore in the town centre and the Sainsbury’s superstore on Dunchurch Road, there are a number of Sainsbury’s local stores throughout the constituency.
Speaking after he questioned the Minister, Mr Pawsey said: “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 am pleased 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.
“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.”
