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Central Co-op and Midcounties Co-op in merger discussions – Usdaw seeks assurances for staff

Retail trade union Usdaw represents members working in both Central and Midcounties Co-operative societies. The union is seeking assurances for staff if the merger goes ahead.

01 October 2025

0 min read

Jayne Allport – Usdaw national officer says: “Usdaw is the recognised trade union for both societies and we are seeking further information from their management teams about the implications for staff of a merger. We recognise that talks are advanced, but any proposal to merge will have to be put to a vote of the individual members of both societies and we expect to be fully consulted on future plans.

“While it is not clear what the impact will be on our members, we are seeking assurances on terms and conditions of employment, while seeking job security. Usdaw will be providing members with the support and representation they need through this period of uncertainty.”

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 trade union 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

Midcounties announcement: https://www.midcounties.coop/legal/corporate-info/press--media/press-releases/october-25/our-future-plans/

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. The union is seeking assurances for staff if the merger goes ahead.