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Usdaw welcomes confirmation of the merger that helps secure the future of the business

Retail trade union Usdaw represents members working in both Central and Midcounties Co-operative societies. Their merger received formal approval this week, which will create a new society with over 13,000 staff. The move will lead to the formation of the UK’s largest independent retailer.

04 December 2025

0 min read

Jayne Allport – Usdaw national officer says: “Usdaw is the recognised trade union for both former Co-ops and we now look forward to an ongoing relationship under the newly merged society. We are in the early stages of this process and have already received assurances on terms and conditions of employment, job security and a positive outlook for the future of the new business. Usdaw continues to provide our members with the support and advice they need through this process.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk

For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Bluesky @usdawunion.bsky.social and Twitter/X @UsdawUnion

Summary

Retail trade union Usdaw represents members working in both Central and Midcounties Co-operative societies. Their merger received formal approval this week, which will create a new society with over 13,000 staff. The move will lead to the formation of the UK’s largest independent retailer.