Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sam Gyimah and Hugh Gaffney

Tuesday 17th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gyimah]

I am very much aware of that and am in discussions with UK Research and Innovation. An announcement will be made very soon.

[Hugh Gaffney (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (Lab)]

12. What assessment he has made of the effect of the merger of Sainsbury’s and Asda on the employees of those companies.

[The Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation (Mr Sam Gyimah)]

As far as the Asda-Sainsbury’s merger is concerned, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has been in close contact with the chief executives of both organisations. They have confirmed that there are no planned store closures as a result of the merger.

[Hugh Gaffney]

Asda and Sainsbury’s combined will have a workforce of 330,000 people. Will the Secretary of State provide any assurance to these workers today that the Government will do everything in their power to stop any job losses or any cuts to pay and conditions? Is this a supermarket deal for workers and customers, or is it one for private profiteer shareholders?