Union's concerns for jobs as Asda confirms delivery outsourcing plan

The GMB workers union has said over 300 jobs are potentially under threat after Asda has confirmed it plans to outsource its online George delivery service to a central DHL office in Derby - 156 miles away from Washington.

- by Neil Fatkin

GMB North East organiser Mark Wilson.

The Washington Asda warehouse is one of three depots the supermarket giant runs the online distribution of its clothing label George from.

Under the plan, depots at Lymedale and Brackmills will also see their delivery service outsourced to a new central DHL hub in Derby.

The GMB said the plan could potentially impact on up to 1,200 employees across all three sites.

After being contacted by the Echo, a spokesperson confirmed: "The George.com delivery function will be moved to Derby in full".

GMB North East organiser Mark Wilson said: "The union and our members were informed about this plan on Tuesday. It came totally out of the blue. It's something we didn't expect and is obviously a big concern for our members.