Ocado axing around 1,000 workers amid cost-cutting overhaul

Ocado, the retail technology group, is axing around 1,000 jobs in a wider restructure aiming to cut £150 million from its costs. The move impacts 5% of its global workforce. Two-thirds of these cuts will hit its UK operations, primarily affecting staff at its Hatfield, Hertfordshire headquarters.

The business, which runs robotic warehouses for supermarket chains, said it plans to scale back research and development (R&D), helping it trim around £150 million in technology and support costs in 2026.

The group also said it will restructure its commercial, support and R&D operations, which will see Ocado Solutions and Ocado Intelligent Automation merged into a single division.

Ocado chief executive Tim Steiner said: “Regrettably, this means a significant number of roles will no longer be required.

“We are grateful to colleagues who are affected by these changes, and whose talent and hard work have made a lasting contribution to Ocado.

“We will support those impacted through this process.”