Hundreds face job losses as Yodel proposes "devastating" closure of Shaw distribution centre

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

The Yodel distribution centre in Shaw

Hundreds of jobs are in jeopardy as Yodel announces the ‘devastating’ closure of its distribution centre in Shaw, Oldham. The facility, which employs over 350 staff members, is set to shut down, leaving many facing an uncertain future.

Yodel’s CEO says the “difficult decision” to propose the closure was off the back of a strategic review of operations. 

Mike Hancox, Yodel CEO said: "Following a comprehensive strategic review of our operations we have taken the difficult decision to propose to close our national sortation and transport centre located in Shaw, Greater Manchester.

“We are hugely grateful for the support of our colleagues based at Shaw over the years and we are now working in close consultation with all relevant stakeholders to provide guidance and support to those affected.

"Yodel has experienced a significant transformation over recent years with the rapid growth of our customer-to-customer service, Yodel Direct, and expansion of our Out of Home network and international operations.

He added: “To meet demand for growing capacity and evolving parcel types with different sortation needs, we continue to invest in infrastructure and technology across our network including our core Wednesbury and Hatfield sortation centres."

Retail and distribution trade union Usdaw has been briefed by Yodel about their proposal to close the distribution centre. 

Mark Todd, Usdaw national officer, said: “Yodel’s proposal to close their Shaw site is a devastating blow for staff and the wider community. 

“Usdaw will now enter into meaningful consultation talks with the company, where we will interrogate their business case for this closure and seek the best possible outcome for our members. 

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