Crime & Safety
Asda to cut 1000 jobs as supermarket makes automation push
The supermarket chain is undergoing a major restructuring of its logistics operations, which will see more roles replaced or redefined by automated and robotic systems.
Part of Asda’s George clothing online operation will be relocated and consolidated at a single warehouse in Derby, operated by DHL, as part of wider company changes.
About 1,250 staff are expected to transfer to the new site under TUPE regulations, but only 250 roles will remain, leaving a significant number of positions at risk.
UK supermarket rankings in 2026
An Asda spokesperson said the company remains focused on supporting affected staff through the transition and exploring alternative roles where possible.
The move will see operations consolidated from three separate distribution sites in Northamptonshire, Staffordshire and the North East.
Retailers across the UK are increasingly turning to automation and robotics to improve efficiency and cut costs.
The GMB union has criticised Asda’s plans, warning that the shift toward automation is leading to substantial job losses across the industry.
The changes are part of a wider turnaround strategy at Asda as it looks to strengthen performance and modernise its operations following a period of declining market share.
In a Reddit discussion, one user said: “No way this will result in cheaper goods; all it will do is result in more profit.”
Another commenter added: “How many of those robots will be spending their wages in their local community I wonder?”
A commenter said: “Robots are going to utterly decimate jobs such as taxi drivers, delivery drivers, warehouse picking/packing, etc.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if this happens within the next five years.”
Not all responses were negative.
Another user wrote: “This is what an increase in productivity looks like. This is a good thing.”
However, others pushed back.
One person said: “I’m not sure the people losing their job, or those unable to find one will agree with you.
“We already know that poverty results in an increase in crime.
“Put 2 and 2 together and this looks great for the execs and shareholders, and has an awful knock-on effect for everyone else.”
There are currently ongoing Thames Water roadworks to change a waterpipe connection on Abingdon Road, the A4144, southbound, in Oxford.
The work started on Wednesday, June 3 and is expected to be complete next week by 11.59pm on Tuesday, June 9.
AA Traffic News shows traffic on Abingdon Road from Kennington Roundabout near Weirs Mill Stream to Folly Bridge, near Christ Church Meadow.
READ MORE: A34: Severe southbound delays of more than 16 minutes
This morning (Thursday, June 4), these roadworks were exacerbating rush hour traffic on the A34, as cars attempted to join the Southern Bypass Road to the Hinkesy Hill Interchange.
Oxfordshire County Council, the highways authority, is advising drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.
National debate is growing over whether 20mph should become the default speed limit in built-up areas across England.
Government advisers at the independent Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety told MPs that making 20mph the standard limit on residential and built-up roads would be a cheaper and more effective way to improve safety than the current patchwork approach.
Executive director Jamie Hassall argued it would be more cost-effective to set a national 20mph default and let local authorities raise limits where appropriate.
Oxfordshire County Council has supported 275 towns and villages to bring in 20mph speed limits.
Provisional Government data indicates the number of people killed or seriously injured on its roads in 2025 fell by about 18 per cent compared with the previous year.
READ MORE: Documents show Oxfordshire footbridge has been sub-standard for over decade
The push for lower limits comes as 20mph policies divide opinion nationally.
Wales has 20mph as the default speed limit in built-up areas, while the Scottish Government committed to implementing the limit on “those roads where it is appropriate to do so”.
Some 62 out of 153 local authorities in England have “adopted a policy similar to Scotland”, according to charity Living Streets.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Local authorities are responsible for setting speed limits in their areas, and our guidance is that 20mph limits should only be used where they are appropriate and supported by evidence.”
Thames Valley Police’s Cherwell Neighbourhood Policing Teams public consultation highlighted specific areas its team should focus on from June until August.
In Bicester, it highlighted specific areas for focus, including the town centre, Garth Park, and Launton Road.
In Bicester’s rural areas, drug dealing and misuse in Ambrosden, Arncott, Graven Hill, Wendlebury, and Kingsmere are key concerns, alongside burglary prevention advice for areas such as Middleton Stoney, Somerton, and Lower Heyford, among others.
READ MORE: Documents show Oxfordshire footbridge has been sub-standard for over decade
Rural areas also reported a significant worry over trailer and plant equipment theft.
Kidlington residents expressed concern over drug dealing, misuse, and anti-social behaviour in Grovelands, Exeter Close Park, and Park Hill Recreation Ground.
The use of e-scooters and e-bikes across Kidlington was also highlighted, alongside a focus on burglary crime prevention in Kidlington, Gosford, and Yarnton.
The latest survey results mirrors those from January 2026.
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoWaitrose supermarkets across UK shut due to ‘critical error’
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoMan arrested in connection with rape in Oxfordshire town
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoHow to spend a day in Harpsden among UK’s poshest villages
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoBanbury woman jailed after lying to police about kidnapped children
-
Oxford Events3 weeks agoStage Watch: Somerset House enters the comedy arena with major new festival Laughterama
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoStrictly Come Dancing new hosts reportedly Emma Willis
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoCBI posts 14% revenue rise as payment services grow
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoUK Hantavirus update as 22 ship passengers moved to hospital