Union and MP to fight plans to close FedEx depot in Staffordshire
The company want to shut the site with a loss of 400 jobs
Postal firm FedEx has announced its intention to close the depot at Parkhouse Industrial Park in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The site is one of five UK depots that the company intends to shut as part of a major restructuring plan.
The closures are expected to take effect by 2028 or 2029.
The union Unite is calling for an immediate consultation discussing the effect this decision will have on local economies. While some jobs may be offered on transfer most of Unite's members will not be able to move great distances to new "super-hubs".
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“FedEx UK is a profitable company and their parent organisation in the US makes billions so it is inexcusable that it is making hundreds of job losses to simply maximise profits without a care or thought given to the impact this will have on workers, their families and communities across the UK.”
Unite regional officer Matt Draper added:
“Unite will be fully supporting our members at this difficult time. We represent a large number of workers across multiple sites in the UK and will be looking to negotiate a suitable timeline for any restructuring to minimise job losses and to allow upskilling of workers to take place.
"We will also be arguing from a trade union perspective that they should keep the Parkhouse and Dartford sites open. We don’t believe there is a good business rationale in closing centreswith such a pivotal central location or one near the biggest entry and exit point to the continent. We are meeting with FedEx on May 28 to discuss the situation. We will provide regular updates as the negotiations and consultations unfold over the following months.”
The Newcastle site has operated for 35 years and was formerly run by courier group ANC before its acquisition by FedEx.
Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee said:
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the announcement that FedEx plans to close its site at Parkhouse Industrial Park, with the potential loss of 400 local jobs. The company says it is seeking to streamline operations by shutting five UK depots and replacing them with two new ‘super hubs’.
"I will be seeking urgent talks with FedEx leadership, local union representatives, and government ministers to ensure that every possible form of support is made available to those impacted. Some meetings have already been scheduled following this morning’s surprise announcement. We must do everything we can to protect livelihoods and strengthen our local economy. I believe the site is strategically located and should be able to prosper – if the company is willing to work with local stakeholders to explore alternatives."
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