A PROTEST is taking place outside of a Taunton supermarket as rows over new controversial contracts continue.

The staff from ASDA Taunton has been outside the store today (September 16) in a rally organised by the GMB Union.

The Union says staff members have received letters urging them to agree to new contracts - or else.

According to GMB, staff are being threatened with losing their jobs if they do not agree to the new terms.

Reps claim the new contracts remove paid breaks and force staff to work on Bank Holidays - which has seen 92 per cent of staff opposed 'Contract 6'.

The Taunton store is just one of many across the country which has seen protest action today.

Tim Northover, GMB Wales and South West Regional Organiser said: "Our members are being pushed into signing contracts they don't agree with.

"Our members don't want to lose their holiday days or be forced to work bank holidays - but the company is threatening them with the sack if they don't.

"We want to raise awareness and bring Asda back to the table. They can do much better than they currently are."

Gary Carter, GMB National Officer, said: “Our members are angry.

“Workers who have given years or loyal service are being told ‘sign this brutal contract or get the sack in time for Christmas’.

“By forcing people to sign this contract, Asda are making people choose between their families or their jobs.

“We’re calling on Asda to respect its workforce and offer dedicated, long-serving staff a better deal.”

But the supermarket giant says the new contracts are needed to be 'competitive' in the retail sector, and many people have agreed to sign the new terms.

An Asda spokesperson said: “The retail sector is immensely competitive and it is important that we are able to serve our customers in the best way to meet their needs.

"This contract is about increasing the take-home pay of more than 100,000 retail colleagues, through an investment of more than £80m, and ensuring that everyone doing the same job is on the same terms and conditions.

“The overwhelming majority of our colleagues from across all our stores have signed onto the new contracts and while we appreciate that some of our colleagues find the changes more unsettling, we do not want any of them to leave.

"We understand colleagues have commitments outside of work and will not be asking them to constantly move the time they work, their days or departments.”