STAFF at a Clydebank supermarket may be axed as the company sets to review the markets it serves.

Asda Clydebank is included in a nationwide consultation process which could affect up to 5,000 workers.

The austerity exercise dubbed Project Renewal may threaten services where demand has petered out — such as photo developers and digital desks.

Insiders say a “depressing atmosphere” has descended upon the store as several workers say they have been unofficially informed of redundancy and hours are cut by head office.

Trade union GMB has entered talks with Asda as it looks to minimise job losses across the country.

Barry Fletcher, regional organiser, said: “There has been an announcement that Asda will be looking at certain roles, people’s jobs may be at risk. At this point they are in consultation with employees who may be affected. The GMB is in discussions at both local and national levels. Basically, that’s where we’re at now.”

Asda has had a tough year as rivals like Aldi, Lidl and Home Bargains eat into the Big Four’s share of the market.

As cash-strapped consumers tighten their belts, the discount stores have bolstered profits out the of economic downturn.

Insiders told the Post that in Clydebank’s Asda staff canteen, digital desk and active sales are among those facing the chop.

The source said: “There’s a depressing atmosphere right now — people are being sent home early and managers’ hours are being cut. No-one knows what’s going on, and it’s stressing people out. As far as we know, it’s all come from head office.”

The Clydebank Post asked Asda about what is happening at Clydebank and a spokeswoman insisted no-one has been made redundant.

She told the Post said: “2015 was a tough year for UK supermarkets and Asda is no exception. The structure of UK grocery retailing has permanently changed to reflect the way customers shop today. 

“We know our customers better than anyone else and we need to make sure that our offer meets their changing needs. 

“We have entered into a [45 day] consultation with our store colleagues on proposals which we believe will enable us to react more quickly by becoming a leaner and more agile business. 

“These proposals are designed to make our stores easier to shop in and be more effective in delivering the low prices, quality and good value which customers tell us they want.”

The corporation is also closing down its Walmart stores across the United States as it looks to increase its viability as a firm.