‘We knew it was coming… but not yet – losing our jobs has been devastating’

An ex employee has spoken out about the ‘appalling’ impact of the closure of a huge Yodel distribution centre in Shaw. The move put 350 jobs at risk and has left a number of staffers looking at an ‘uncertain future’, according to the ex employee.

The delivery service shut the doors of its Beal Lane site last month (8 July), just six weeks after announcing the decision.

The council said it worked closely with the employer to support staff into new jobs. But some have still struggled to find a new job.

One ex-employee, who didn’t want to named through of fear of losing his redundancy pay, said there had been no suitable options for his specialism.

The father of two girls said: “I can’t find a job because I’m the wrong end of 50.

“I was [at Yodel] nine years and my redundancy isn’t massive. I’m getting about 5,000 quid. I’ve got enough money to last me until about October and then I’ve got no money at all because I haven’t got any savings.”

He added that he was unhappy with the way the closure had been handled.

“We knew it was coming but we were told it would be next year,” the ex employee said. “They didn’t give us much time.”

The Oldham resident said the ordeal has taken a heavy toll on struggling families. He claimed he has started taking antidepressants because of the stress and anxiety the situation was causing him.

The ex employee said: “It’s appalling, the mental health impact of what people have gone through.”

The closure has been ‘on the table’ since 2020, when the company declared it would need to relocate to a more ‘suitable’ site in the next five years. At the time, local councillors hoped the parcel giant would remain in the area by moving to a bigger warehouse.

But a Yodel spokesperson said the company had made the ‘difficult decision’ to close the centre entirely following ‘a change in sortation needs and a comprehensive strategic review’.

They added: “We are hugely grateful for the support of everyone that worked at the site and are saddened to hear of this colleague’s situation. We have been in close consultation with all relevant stakeholders throughout this process to offer support packages for those affected.”

The company, which had a brush with bankruptcy earlier this year, has just announced an £85m funding deal in an effort to quell financial concerns.

Councillor Fida Hussain, cabinet member for enterprise at Oldham Council, noted that the council is ‘still here’ to help those affected by the site closing down.

Councillor Hussain said: “When Yodel announced its closure, our Get Oldham Working teams were straight on site to provide free one-to-one support and guidance to affected employees.

We also held a jobs fair with partners including NHS, Royal Mail, Parcel Force, Stagecoach, Danish Crown and Evri, who were there to discuss their vacancies with staff.

“The site may have now closed but the Get Oldham Working team are still here to help anyone affected. The skills and experience of the former Yodel employees will be valued by many organisations and Get Oldham Working can support you every step of the way.

“You will get a dedicated advisor who will provide one-to-one guidance – everything from CV writing to interview preparation, qualifications and even interview clothes via our Working Wardrobe project.

“The council can also help with a wide range of other issues including help with benefits, food, mental health or housing advice.”

Charlotte Hall, Local Democracy Reporter