Asda

Siobhain McDonagh MP claims employees involved in contract consultations would made up to £500 worse off.

The move comes following the spate of knife-related incidents across the country, particularly involving young people.

The CMA warned it would be ‘difficult’ for the companies to address ‘extensive’ concerns about the proposed merger.

Jobs in areas including bakeries and petrol stations could be affected, sources said.

The CMA said it will carry out a so-called Phase Two in-depth probe to assess how the deal could affect competition for UK shoppers.

The competition watchdog will examine if the tie-up could lead to less choice, higher prices or worse service.

MPs looking into the £12 billion tie-up were concerned about the impact on small suppliers.

Staff are likely to be caught in the crossfire of the £12 billion merger.

Joel Hills Business and Economics Editor

Sainsbury’s and Asda have decided to get hitched and they see only the upside.

It will aim to generate £500 million in cost savings but Sainsbury’s insisted there are no planned store closures.