SUPERMARKET giant Asda is shedding up to six management jobs from its York store as part of sweeping cuts.

Up to 1,200 staff will be axed in a move which involves job losses at every one of its branches in the UK - including its supermarket at Monks Cross.

The announcement was made by Asda's new president, Andy Bond, who said it was an effort to "simplify, refocus and re-energise the business for future success".

About 200 management jobs will also be phased out at the company's centres in Leeds and Lutterworth, Leics, as roles are merged.

The staff affected will be personally told this week.

Mr Bond said: "Whilst it's the right thing to do for our business, we say goodbye to some great colleagues this week and I thank them for all they have done for Asda.

"While our sales have slowed in recent months as the economy's tightened, Asda is no retail straggler.

"Over the past six years, we've created an additional 40,000 jobs across Britain and experienced rapid growth.

"But I'm simply not satisfied with this year's average performance.

"Our natural home is outperformance and today's changes put in place the teams - at board level, Asda House and in the stores - that will reignite our business over the next 12 to 18 months."

Updated: 10:01 Wednesday, July 06, 2005