Unite, the union representing most workers at Morrisons’ Wakefield distribution centre, says it will fight hard to minimise the impact of planned changes in working patterns by the Bradford-based supermarket which threaten around 100 jobs.

Unite said some workers also face a reduction in their working week from 45 to 40 hours a week and others a move from the night shift to days.

Sarah Mitchell, regional officer of Unite, which represents 1,000 of the 1,200 workers at Wakefield, said: “The cutbacks proposed stem from the fact that Morrisons is faring badly in the supermarket price wars against the likes of Aldi and Lidl, and has had to issue a profits warning. When the talks have concluded, Unite will be issuing a fuller statement.”

Morrisons said its operational changes were to improve efficiency.