Superquinn workers fear for jobs, says Mandate

Superquinn bosses are not doing enough to reassure their workers that their jobs are safe, a leading trade union has claimed today.

Mandate has said that the supermarket chain needs to give its work force of more than 3,000 people a concrete reassurance that they still have job security for the future.

It follows recent speculation that up to six potential bidders were expressing interest in the company.

Superquinn's chairman Simon Bourke previously said the company was not looking for a buyer, but Mandate has said that this is not good enough for the staff.

Assistant general secretary of Mandate Gerry Light said: "We have received a vast amount of enquiries from Superquinn members regarding recent reports that Superquinn may be for sale. Workers are concerned primarily with any possible threat to their job security.

"Mandate has written a letter to Superquinn chairman, Simon Burke, seeking assurances of job security amongst other items of concern for our members, but up to this point we haven't received a reply.

"We expect the company to respond in the next few days and are hopeful that the response will be a positive one which will reassure our members."

A spokeswoman for the company said it had no comment to make.