Asda has announced plans to outsource its online delivery operations for the George clothing brand to DHL from January 2027, a move that will affect approximately 1,200 workers. The supermarket chain confirmed that distribution for George.com will shift from its depots in Lymedale, Brackmills, and Washington to DHL's site in Derby.
Under the proposals, all impacted staff will have the opportunity to transfer to DHL, with protections for their pay, pension, and length of service under TUPE regulations. Asda emphasised that its distribution sites will remain open to handle deliveries for in-store George purchases, and staff working on other parts of the business at those sites will not be affected.
The decision comes as George.com, which already processes over 16 million online orders annually, is forecast to double in size by 2032 and is expected to reach full capacity within two years. Asda's chief supply chain officer, David Lepley, said the proposal supports the continued growth of the business as it aims to make George the UK's largest clothing retailer by volume.
Trade union GMB criticised the move, warning it could pave the way for a full carve-up of the company by private equity owner TDR Capital. GMB national officer Nadine Houghton stated that hardworking families should not see their livelihoods put at risk due to the decisions of private equity executives. However, Asda executive chairman Allan Leighton rejected those claims, describing them as categorically untrue and insulting to colleagues, and reiterated the company's focus on its Formula for Growth.
