Ocado set to shed jobs after fire at Andover DC

Ocado has launched a redundancy process after the online grocer said it would take two years to rebuild a Hampshire distribution centre destroyed in a fire. This will affect just under half the 850-strong workforce.

The firm has been unable to find a suitable alternative site in the area. A company spokesman said: "In light of the fact that the rebuild of Andover CFC (customer fulfilment centre) will take at least two years to complete, it is with immense regret that we have commenced a formal consultation process. We would like to thank all of our colleagues for their hard work and we will provide them with all the support we can during this process.”

"We are committed to rebuilding and restoring our operations in Andover and sincerely hope that we are able to welcome any affected colleagues back to Ocado in the future."

Meanwhile, Waitrose has inked a deal with AI platform Today Development Partners (TDP), co-founded by Ocado co-founder Jonathan Faiman, to succeed its Ocado partnership as it looks to treble the size of its online business over the next three years.

The plan is to develop three automated CFCs during that period and create a £1 billion online operation, with Waitrose choosing Retail Director Ben Stimson to head this up, in the new role of Digital Director.

Further details here.

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