RETAIL Shopworkers' union, Usdaw, has welcomed the Co-operative Group's £1.5bn swoop for Somerfield.

The Manchester-based union is the recognised union for both companies.

General secretary John Hannett said: "The Co-operative Group is a progressive employer, which endorses the consultation and negotiation process with Usdaw as being the best way of ensuring that its employees are given a fair, safe workplace and a real voice at work."

The enlarged Co-op will have more than 3,000 shops.