Neil Findlay MSP

have made similar changes to their employment contracts in recent years and they are the last supermarket to move to this type of contract.

An Asda spokesperson said: “Following an extensive consultation period we’re pleased that almost 120,000 of our retail colleagues are now working on the same contract, with the same terms and conditions and the same enhanced benefits package, including an increased hourly rate.

“This contract is about fairness for all our colleagues and moves us in line with our competitors.

“Whilst retail as a whole is under continued pressure, we will do all we can to ensure we have a sustainable business for our customers, our colleagues and the communities we serve.

“We have been clear that we do not want anyone to leave us as a result of this necessary change and so we have written to the fewer than 300 colleagues who have not signed the contract to offer a little more time to sign up and continue to work with us, should they wish.”

GMB has been campaigning for months against the imposition of the new contract, which would see staff lose paid breaks and be forced to work bank holidays.

Asda has extended its deadline for workers to sign the new contracts until November 10 but the GMB wants it to remove the threat of dismissal altogether.

Union official Gary Carter said: “This eleventh hour delay kicks the can down the road for Asda workers who are unable to sign this punishing new contract.

“They now face the prospect of the sack even closer to Christmas.

“Asda are clearly feeling the heat from the opposition to their behaviour but this move does not change the brutal reality facing long-serving, dedicated staff.

“Thousands of Asda workers have been forced into signing this new contract because they can’t afford to lose their jobs, least of all in the run-up to Christmas.

“But a seven day delay won’t change the fact that people – often women workers with kids, caring responsibilities or other part-time jobs – simply can’t sign up to these new terms.

“We’re talking about people who have worked at Asda for decades. This is not how any employer should treat loyal, hard-working people.

“Asda should get back round the table to negotiate and offer a better deal to its workers.”

Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance said: “I have made representations to Asda and spoken at length to senior managers about the change of contracts and they have sought to assure me that flexible arrangements for staff with caring responsibilities and other special needs will continue.

“I am told that almost all staff at the Livingston store have signed the new contract and that Asda remain open to engagement.

“I will also support dialogue and negotiation as the best way for two parties to resolve a dispute.”

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “I sincerely hope that Asda management and their employees are able to come to an agreement that is in the best interest of staff and the company.”

Asda’s reputation as a decent employer is taking a battering