Hundreds of Yodel staff in Oldham are at risk of losing their jobs after bosses at the delivery service announced a ‘devastating’ closure. Yodel’s distribution site in Shaw, which employs more than 350 people, is to shut.
The company’s CEO Mike Hancox said the ‘difficult decision’ was a result of a ‘strategic review’ after the company was sold off by parent company Barclay’s earlier this year following the bank’s money troubles. It will be offering jobs to a small number of staff at their nearest distribution centre in Middleton.
Oldham council has said they will be stepping in to support staff in finding new jobs. The union for distributive workers Usdaw are also joining talks with the company.
Follow our live blog below for the latest updates on the closure.
13:18Charlotte Hall
Get Oldham Working to play key role in supporting staff
Get Oldham Working, an employment initiative by the council, are planning to open an on-site advice centre for those affected by the closure. The team will provide advice on job applications, specialist training, job listings and signposting to other council services like money management advice and help with household bills, according to a council statement.
13:13Charlotte Hall
Council boss responds to Yodel closure
Councillor Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham council, called the closure ‘devastating news’ for the local community.
Shah said: “These potentially large-scale job losses come at a time when people are already struggling because of the cost of living crisis in the UK. …
“This is a committed local workforce who have worked hard to deliver for Yodel, and have significant skills and abilities that other organisations can benefit from. It’s a real blow for local people but we are determined to do everything we can to help them.”
Council officers and Yodel management have created an ‘urgent plan of action’ to support those who will be affected by job losses.