DHL job losses as Droitwich DC mothballed

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2 ... balled.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Union Unite says the workforce at DHL’s Droitwich distribution centre are “devastated” after it was announced that it would close by January in favour of a new site in Somerset.

The Droitwich site primarily distributes goods on behalf of Morrisons and the union says the lack of a renewed contract is to blame for the closure.

A 90 day consultation period has been concluded and Unite says it will now do everything in its power to assist its members.

“This proposed closure is a massive blow to our members and the region,” says Unite regional officer Simon Powell. “We owe it to our members and their families, who are saddened and devastated, to do everything in our power to help and support them.


“We hope DHL’s management will rethink this decision and we urge the company to offer the staff affected every opportunity for redeployment within the business.”

DHL says 330 jobs at the Berry Hill Estate site in Droitwich are affected by the opening of Morrisons’ distribution centre in Bridgwater.

A spokesman says: “All staff at the site have been offered relocation assistance to the new facility although we appreciate that not everyone will be able to make the move. For this reason we are also providing outplacement training in conjunction with Dudley College, to help staff secure alternative employment in the Droitwich area. While the Berry Hill site will close in January 2012, this decision in no way reflects on the quality of work delivered at the site and we would like to thank staff for their understanding at this time.”

Morrisons did not respond but has been undetaking an extensive restructuring of its depot network and supply chain in the past few years.