Asda is to outsource its in-store security to Mitie, as it battles a surge of crime against its stores and staff.
The new multi-year contract will see Mitie take over the handling of security across all 1,700 Asda supermarkets, Living and Express stores.
It will see more than 2,000 Asda security workers offered TUPE transfer to Mitie, who will take over their existing employment.
Asda stores would also benefit from connection to Mitie’s 24/7 central operations hub in Northampton. The site already provides support to a number of food retailers including M&S and Sainsbury’s, providing remote monitoring services.
Alongside the new security measures, Mitie would also introduce 67 EVs into the Asda estate.
Like other retailers across the sector, Asda has seen a huge rise in reported levels of theft, crime and abuse towards staff over the past year, with the number of incidents reaching above 30,000 last year, Asda said.
“The safety of our colleagues and customers is our absolute priority, and we are taking decisive action to strengthen protection across our estate,” said Asda chief commercial officer for non-food and retail Liz Evans.
“We are investing in a partnership with Mitie to implement a comprehensive, professionally trained and technology-enhanced security presence in our stores.
“This includes SIA-licensed security guards, undercover detectives, rapid response units and dedicated teams for higher-risk locations, all supported by a 24/7 central operations hub to ensure swift, co-ordinated action whenever it’s needed,” Evans added.
Mitie has provided security across Asda’s logistics estate since 2019. Transferred security workers would get access to additional training, including CCTV training, as well as Mitie’s package of employee benefits, the company said.
“We are proud to be strengthening our partnership with Asda, supporting them as they advance their security approaches to crack down on escalating retail crime and enhance store safety for both colleagues and customers,” said Jason Towse, MD for Mitie business services.
“We look forward to welcoming new colleagues and equipping them with specialised training and development opportunities so that collaboratively we can work towards creating safer communities for everyone.”
It’s the latest service outsourced by Asda, as owner TDR looks to cut costs to service its debt, and fuel Allan Leighton’s turnaround plan.
Earlier this week 1,200 jobs were put at risk over plans to outsource George.com distribution to DHL. Colleagues will be offered TUPE transfer but would have to relocate to DHL’s facility in Derby.
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