ASDA workers have begun a historic 48-hour strike over “toxic” working conditions at the retail chain’s Gosport superstore.

More than 100 GMB union members were expected to walk out at midnight last night after managers failed to improve their offer, the union said. 

Regional organiser Nicola Nixon said: “GMB members voted to stand up to their employer in December and they’ve done it again in January and February.

“They should be able to come to work without threat of bullying or putting their health, safety and wellbeing at risk.

“Counterproposals have been made to the company to settle the dispute, but Asda has failed to come back with any improvements.  

“We originally gave Asda until Tuesday as a show of goodwill, but no improved offer materialised and so our strike will now go ahead. 

“Our members are determined to stand up to Asda and their management and say enough is enough.” 

An Asda spokesperson said it was disappointed by the decision to strike, claiming that “reasonable and practical action” had been taken to address the union’s concerns.