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.”
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.
The 36-year-old actress played Hogwarts witch Hermione Granger in all eight films of the franchise alongside co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint.
Ms Watson has turned her attention to studies after her iconic role in J.K. Rowling’s series, as well as parts in Hollywood films The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Little Women.
She had been studying a master’s degree in creative writing at Oxford University since September 2023.
READ MORE: Mary Berry talks turning 91 after finding ‘joy’ at retirement home
Emma Watson reveals Hollywood broke her
“I came to work looking for friendship and that was a very painful experience for me outside of Harry Potter and in Hollywood. Like bone-breakingly painful”
“Most people don’t come to those environments looking for friendships. They’re… pic.twitter.com/YFoYV60fYc
— Jack (@Jackkk) June 1, 2026
It was revealed in February 2025 that Ms Watson had switched to a DPhil, which is Oxford’s version of a PhD.
Quotes from one of Ms Watson’s most recent interviews on her break from Hollywood have resurfaced this week.
Last year, the 36-year-old appeared on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast and spoke about many topics, including her career.
Talking about Harry Potter, she said: “It’s so unusual to make a set of films for 12 years. We were a community; we really were.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson ‘parties in pub until 4.30am’ celebrating win
“So I took that as an expectation into my other workplaces, and I got my a– kicked. I really did.”
Speaking on the difference between Harry Potter and other filming projects across Hollywood in the years following, Ms Watson admitted: “It was bone-breakingly painful.
“I’m just not thick-skinned. Maybe I just wasn’t built for those kinds of highly competitive environments. It broke me.”
The Hermione Granger actress’s most recent role was in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women remake, which was released seven years ago.
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