Asda Announces Job Cuts and Office Return Policy

Asda has announced a significant restructure affecting over 5,000 head office staff in Leeds and Leicester, which includes mandatory office attendance for at least three days a week starting January 2025. The changes come as interim boss Lord Rose aims to simplify the management structure and enhance operational efficiency amid a challenging retail environment, following a reported decline in sales and market share. While the company has confirmed job cuts, specific numbers have not been disclosed, but the initiative is intended to remove redundancies and streamline operations. The strategy is part of a broader effort to strengthen Asda's competitive position as it faces increased pressure from rivals like Tesco and Sainsbury's. Rose acknowledged that these changes are unsettling but necessary for the company's long-term growth and customer focus. This announcement follows a turbulent period for Asda after its acquisition by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers, which has seen the supermarket's market share decrease significantly.