A union has pledged to "save as many jobs as possible" after Ocado announced it would be closing its Hatfield distribution centre.

The group said it will close the site - which accounts for about a fifth of its 400,000 customer orders each week - later this year, putting 2,300 jobs at risk.

Orders will be moved to a new state-of-the-art robotic warehouse in Luton, with consultations taking place with the Hatfield workers, aimed at offering jobs to as many as possible at nearby sites.

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Dave Gill, national officer for the Union of Shop Distributive & Allied Workers, described Ocado's proposal as "concerning", and has pledged to "save as many jobs as possible".

"This proposal is obviously very concerning for our members and we will now go into consultation talks with Ocado, where Usdaw officials and reps will look at the company’s proposed business case," he said.

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"Our priorities are to save as many jobs as possible, seek redeployment opportunities if the closure goes ahead and get the best deal available for staff affected.

"In the meantime we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this very difficult time."