SUPERMARKET giant Asda is to start consulting with staff over potential job losses next year which could total up to 2,500.

It is not yet known which stores are affected.

There are East Lancs stores in Blackburn, Colne, Burnley, Accrington and Darwen.

The chain also is currently in talks with Sainsbury's over a proposed merger.

The bid to combine the two supermarket giants is being considered by the competitions watchdog.

The proposed merger was given a boost earlier this month after the Competition and Market Authority said it would consider the rapid growth of Aldi and Lidl.

Experts are predicting that towns with an Asda and Sainsbury’s store will see a store close if the merger gets the go-ahead.

In East Lancashire, Burnley and Colne have both a Sainsbury’s and an Asda.

Areas of work affected by any changes include petrol, bakery, back office and so-called hosting.

Jobs in the George areas of Asda stores could also be affected, it is understood.

The company declined to comment on any potential job cuts.

A statement said: “In a competitive retail market, where customers rightly expect great value and ease of service, we must always look at how we can work more quickly and efficiently for them – and, inevitably, that means we need to consider changing the roles we need our colleagues to do or the hours needed in particular parts of our stores.

“We believe the proposed changes we are consulting on would allow us to do a better job for our customers.

“We also recognise that discussions about potential change aren’t easy. If the decision is taken to implement the proposed changes, we would work with our colleagues to look at the potential impact of these proposals on them.”