STAFF at a Basingstoke supermarket face an uncertain future after Tesco announced changes to the way its stores operate.

The supermarket giant has revealed plans to cut the opening hours at 30 of its stores across the country, which currently open 24-hours, although it has confirmed that the store at Chineham Shopping Centre, in Basingstoke, will not be affected by this.

However, a spokesman for the company told The Gazette that he could not confirm if staff at the Basingstoke store will be affected by any other changes, because staff were still being told about the plans.

These changes include a reduction in late-night staffing, which could see staff face cut-backs in their hours of work.

Staff have today been voicing their anger against both Tesco and union Usdaw.

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling for the deal between Tesco and Usdaw to be called off, with claims that the union is not doing enough for staff.

It asks for Tesco staff to be consulted and balloted on pay and conditions.

Posting on an online forum used by Tesco employees, some staff said that night-shift workers could have their weekly hours cut from 37 to 22.

One wrote: "I'm a single mum with two kids as well. Totally devastated. Used to work on days. Not long went to nights. Can't see me sleeping tonight."

Another said: "Although not unexpected, I'm absolutely livid at the cold and callous way in which the company have treated long serving loyal members with exemplary records.

"It's impossible to console those in shock, angry with tears in their eyes. The restructure was bad enough, but with no full time prospects and a lifestyle balance thrown out the window these lovely people are now caught between the devil and the deep blue sea."

The spokesman for Tesco said: "We’re making some changes in a number of our stores to help us run them more simply and deliver the best possible service for customers. We understand this may be disruptive for some of our colleagues and where there have been changes to a colleague’s role we will be working really hard to ensure they are fully supported.”

Pauline Foulkes, Usdaw national officer, said: “Following a business review Tesco are announcing various operational changes at stores around the country. Each store will have different changes to address its specific needs and some will be more substantial than others.

"A period of consultation with individual staff is now beginning and our priority is to minimise redundancies and help as many employees as possible transition to new suitable roles within the organisation. We are providing the advice, support and representation our members need throughout the consultation period.”

  • Do you work at the Tesco superstore in Basingstoke? Will you be affected by the changes? Get in touch by emailing emily.roberts@basingstokegazette.co.uk or call 01256 337410.