Asda to Cut 150 Jobs After Christmas Sales Slump Shakes UK Retail
One of Britain’s biggest supermarkets is facing a tough reckoning, as Asda moves toward cutting more than 150 jobs in a major cost-saving shake-up following a disappointing Christmas trading period.
This matters because Christmas is the most important time of year for UK supermarkets. It is when sales are meant to surge, profits are protected and confidence is restored. But this time, Asda stood alone. While rivals gained ground, Asda was the only major supermarket to report a fall in sales over the festive season, a sharp warning sign for the business and its workforce.
The job losses are expected to hit managers and logistics staff first. More than 80 management roles are at risk, along with dozens of warehouse and distribution jobs. Many of these positions are linked to Asda’s parcel and delivery operations, which the company now plans to outsource to external delivery firm Evri.
Also Read:- Bo Nix Injury Shakes Broncos as Denver Scrambles for a QB Before AFC Title Game
- AFCON Final Explodes Into Chaos as Senegal and Morocco Clash in Dramatic Finish
Asda says its existing network was never designed to handle the scale of demand it now faces, processing around 28 million parcels a year. Customers increasingly expect fast, next-day collection and returns and the company argues that partnering with a specialist delivery firm will allow all of its stores to meet those expectations. But for employees, this shift has created deep uncertainty, with redundancy consultations already under way.
Behind this move is a wider struggle. Asda’s market share has been sliding for years. Since its takeover in 2021, its share of the grocery market has fallen significantly and it now sits well behind competitors like Tesco and Sainsbury’s. The Christmas sales drop has only intensified pressure on leadership to cut costs and restructure quickly.
The retailer is also dealing with financial strain. Credit rating agencies have downgraded the business, pushing up borrowing costs and limiting flexibility at a time when investment is badly needed. To respond, Asda is reviewing not just parcel services, but also its wider transport and distribution model, including plans for new regional hubs to centralise operations and reduce duplication.
For workers, this news lands on top of a difficult recent history. Over the past 18 months, Asda has already reduced layers of management and cut roles across IT and store operations. For communities that rely on these jobs, the impact could be significant.
And for shoppers, this raises bigger questions about the future of competition, pricing and service on Britain’s high streets and online.
This story is still developing, with consultations ongoing and decisions yet to be finalised. Stay with us as we track the impact on workers, customers and the wider retail sector and bring you the latest as it unfolds.
Read More:
0 Comments