Unions representing thousands of Co-operative Group workers called yesterday for urgent reforms to stabilise the troubled organisation.

The Co-op Bank is expected to confirm losses of at least £1.5 billion later this week following a disastrous takeover of Britannia group and attempted takeover of Lloyds.

Co-op Bank’s problems — which resulted in the loss of its co-operative status through a private finance bail-out — are jeopardising the Co-op Group of which it is a part.

More than 50,000 workers in the Co-op’s 3,000 supermarkets, distribution network, funeral care, pharmacy and head office are members of retail union Usdaw.

Usdaw national officer for the Co-op John Gorle said: “While there will be no quick fix for the problems at the group there is a growing anxiety with our membership over long-term job security.

“The Co-op needs to present a clear and coherent strategy for the future as soon as possible to help address our members’ concerns.”

General union Unite also has 1,200 members, mainly in Co-op Retail Logistics.

Unite national officer Adrian Jones said: “The future of the Co-op is not just about the makeup of the board and the influence or perceived influence of regional boards and independent societies. It is also about the families of thousands of Co-op workers whose futures are on a knife edge.”

Former Co-op board-member Lord Myners has carried out an investigation into the group’s problems and has called for structural reforms, including a “one member, one vote” system.