Vocal Voices

There are many articles out there about Asda's restructuring where 5,000 middle management, cash handling and support jobs will go. These will be 'replaced' by 4,500 online order pickers, drivers and other warehouse staff - so a net loss of 500 jobs.

The problem for Asda is that it has just changed hands on a leveraged buyout (debt) and because of the way the takeover was made this has got all sorts of knickers twisted.

However, many of us are now much more comfortable with going online, especially for food. We pay by card so fewer cash handlers are needed. Goods are kept in warehouses rather than shops so fewer shop assistants are needed, but more warehouse staff are - so are delivery drivers.

We customers have played a big part in changing the retail landscape and, like it or not, businesses have to adapt to us and that means changes in the way they do things.

#3 son's partner was a manager in HR for Asda. The stress was pretty high. So she changed jobs, became a picker for online shopping, picking from the shop floor and filling out the orders.

No change in wages, more flexibility, minimal stress. She was much happier.

Says a lot about the company.