Asda says it wants to 'deliver the cleanest stores in retail' - Hollie Adams/BloombergAsda is to outsource 3,500 cleaning jobs in the latest staffing shake-up at the debt-laden supermarket. The retailer will transfer cleaning staff to third-party operators, Bidvest and NIC Services, in a move described as "detestable" by the union representing its workers. Asda said outsourcing cleaning would allow it to use specialist equipment and technology, including robotics, while improving standards. The company added the changes would include enhanced toilet cleaning, steam cleaning of trolleys and baskets and improved maintenance of entrances and checkout areas. The GMB called on Asda to halt its latest outsourcing until its other job consultations had been completed.