Ocado to cut 1,000 jobs in £150m cost-saving drive

The Guardian - World NewsEN 2 min read 100% complete by Sarah Butler and agenciesFebruary 26, 2026 at 09:29 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Ocado is cutting 1,000 jobs, approximately 5% of its global workforce, as part of a restructuring program aimed at saving £150 million in costs by 2026. The majority of the job losses, roughly two-thirds, will affect UK operations, with about half in technology and the rest in support roles. The company plans to scale back research and development, citing AI efficiencies and cost discipline. This overhaul includes merging Ocado Solutions and Ocado Intelligent Automation into a single division. The announcement follows previous cuts and recent setbacks, including the closure of partner warehouses in Canada and the US, leading to a drop in Ocado's share value.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kroger 40% Canada 40% United States 40% Ocado Solutions 40% Ocado Intelligent Automation 40% Sobeys 40% Hatfield, Hertfordshire ×250% Tim Steiner 60% United Kingdom ×470% Ocado ×1090%

Keywords

ocado 100% job cuts 100% cost-saving 90% restructuring 80% technology 70% artificial intelligence 60% robotics 50% r&d 50% warehouse 50% ocado smart platform 40%