Promise to help DHL workers

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news ... L_workers/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

LOGISTICS firm DHL says it is “making every effort” to find suitable positions within the business for more than 200 staff due to lose their jobs in Swindon.

On Saturday, the Adver reported that staff at the DHL Morrisons depot, based at South Marston Industrial Estate, were told in April that they would be laid off due to a centralisation of distribution.

The depot is being closed in favour of a new centralised hub in Bridgwater, Somerset, following a new contract with the supermarket chain. DHL’s Elgin depot is staying open.

Now DHL has announced it is working with staff and union officials to investigate other opportunities for staff in the organisation, and is also working with Morrisons to find ways to continue employing staff at Bridgewater.

A spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said: “Over the past six months DHL has undertaken a phased recruitment programme to support the opening of B&Q’s new Distribution Centre in Swindon.

“To date DHL has recruited around 250 employees from the existing B&Q site on the Groundwell Industrial Estate and from the local community, with the possibility of a further 300 roles in the next 12 months.

“During this time, Morrisons announced its decision to open a new south west regional distribution centre in Bridgwater, Somerset, ultimately leading to the closure of its site at South Marston Park, which DHL operates.

“DHL is actively working with affected staff and union representatives to investigate opportunities elsewhere in its organisation.

“Morrisons is also supporting DHL to find ways to carry on employing colleagues at Morrisons’ new site in Bridgwater.

“Morrisons wants as many people as possible to continue their career with DHL at the new site and is prepared to support relocation to make this a reality.

“We value highly the skills of our staff at South Marston Park and are making every effort to secure them suitable opportunities within our business and thank all our staff for their understanding at this time.”

The new depot will create 1,000 jobs. However, staff claim that redundancies at South Marston and elsewhere in the region will result in more 1,000 job losses across the South West.

One employee, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “There was obviously concern when the announcement was made but the concern was not as big because, with the B&Q distribution centre being built, and DHL winning a contract for that, we thought the jobs would be transferred.

“There is the opportunity to transfer to Bridgewater with £2,000 compensation being offered – that’s fine if you are a single person renting but a lot of people have family and houses here so they are tied to the area and it is not so easy.”