Hundreds of jobs at risk as M&S plans to shut warehouse
RETAIL giant Marks & Spencer has confirmed plans to close a major distribution centre in Derbyshire, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.
The firm has said it will close its Long Eaton distribution centre in the summer of 2021, which would affect 330 workers at the Forbes Close site, off Fields Farm Road.
The move is part of a major shakeup of the retailer’s supply chain, with the firm also planning to close its Thorncliffe distribution centre, in Sheffield, which is said to affect 250 jobs. The Thorncliffe warehouse is run by goods management company XPO Logistics, which distributes stock for Marks & Spencer.
The Long Eaton distribution centre is operated by DHL, which has a large freight hub at East Midlands Airport and also operates a network of smaller distribution sites across the UK, carrying out contracts on behalf of a number of major retailers such as Marks & Spencer.
In a statement, M&S said: “We’re in the early stages of changing our supply chain to address flow of product and availability for our customers. As part of this we’ll no longer be serving our stores from our Long Eaton distribution centre.
“Moving the operations is not a distribution centre at Forbes Close, Long Eaton, is set to close next year, say bosses decision we’ve taken lightly, but it’s an important change to help us best serve our customers.
“Our logistics partner will be working closely with the colleagues at the site on what is best for them.”
Ed Leach, area organiser for the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw), said: “This proposed closure has come as a shock and is devastating news for staff. Usdaw will now enter into meaningful consultations with the company where we will interrogate the business case and secure the best possible outcome for all affected.
“In the meantime we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this very difficult time.
“If the worst happens and the closure goes ahead, Usdaw will do everything possible to find alternative employment for our members, utilising our lifelong learning services and talking to other employers about possible work opportunities.”
Marks & Spencer also has a huge distribution centre at Castle Donington which holds online stock. Staff at this site are not affected.
The retailer said it had recently completed a new mezzanine at the Castle Donington centre to support increased demand through its website.