GENERAL union GMB has called on Asda to open up negotiations with the supermarket giant’s newly imposed contract which is set to negatively affect an estimated 60,000 workers.

The multinational has imposed new terms on its employees, which would mean that workers would no longer receive pay for their meal breaks.

Although the workforce would also receive a pay rise to £9 an hour, they would also be contractually entitled to work bank holidays.

This contract has already existed on a voluntary basis, but the company has now decided to impose the terms on the employees.

The union says that it has not been properly consulted and has vowed to resist the changes.

GMB national officer Gary Carter said: “Absolutely nothing has been agreed with GMB and we will fight any imposition of these contracts on our members.

“These contract changes will affect nearly 60,000 members of staff — they cannot just be imposed from the top.”