Overview
- Asda proposes shifting George.com online clothing distribution from depots in Lymedale, Brackmills and Washington to DHL’s Derby site starting January 2027, with completion expected later that year.
- Impacted employees would be offered transfers to DHL under TUPE regulations, and Asda says the three depots will stay open to supply George products for in‑store sales, with other functions unaffected.
- GMB says the plan endangers livelihoods and claims private‑equity owners TDR Capital are paving the way for a carve‑up, a claim executive chairman Allan Leighton rejects as categorically untrue.
- The latest plan comes alongside ongoing consultations to reorganize transport into eight regional hubs and to partner with Evri so all 1,200 Asda locations can offer next‑day parcel collection and returns, with more than 150 roles reported at risk.
- Asda cites George.com’s scale—over 16 million online orders a year—and forecasts of rapid expansion as the rationale, against a backdrop of a 4.2% Christmas sales decline and market share at 11.4%.