Asda places 1200 jobs in danger because it shakes up its operations following a dismal Christmas

Asda has put hundreds of jobs at risk as it shakes up its operations after a dismal Christmas.

The supermarket is planning to outsource delivery services for online orders of its George clothing brand in a move impacting around 1,200 workers.

Asda confirmed proposals to shift distribution for George.com to DHL from January 2027. Staff can transfer across under the proposals.

Asda suffered a 6.5 per cent slump in sales over the festive period, according to research firm NIQ. 

Trade union GMB claimed the move ‘paves the way for a full carve-up of the company’ by private-equity owners TDR Capital. 

Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer, said: ‘It is time for TDR Capital to come clean and be honest about their plan for the business – they owe it to every single Asda worker.’

Cuts: Asda is planning to outsource delivery for online orders of its George clothing brand in a move impacting around 1,200 workers

Asda executive chairman Allan Leighton rejected the claims.

He said: ‘The suggestion that we are looking to break up the business is categorically untrue and, frankly, insulting to all our colleagues.

‘There is only one agenda – it’s called the Formula for Growth.’