Nearly 2000 jobs are under threat across Greater Manchester as the online retailer Shop Direct has announced the closure of three of its sites
The online fashion retailer is set to close three warehouses in Shaw, Little Hulton and Raven, saying that it will be its consolidating operations to a new site in East Midlands Gateway.
Shop Direct said these sites no longer met its “operational ambitions”, due to limited accessibility options.
Interim chief executive Derek Harding said that the company is working alongside workers union Usdaw to ensure the 1992 job losses, comprising of 1177 permanent staff and 815 agency roles, were dealt with “fairly and sensitively”.
He added: “This is a tough day for the business and we know how difficult this news will be to hear for our teams in Shaw, Little Hulton and Raven.
Shop Direct the people behind Littlewoods plans the development of the site at East Midlands Gateway in May this year and plans to begin exiting from its existing fulfilment sites in Greater Manchester from mid-2020.
The move is expected to impact 1,177 permanent Shop Direct colleagues and 815 agency colleagues. Redundancies are anticipated as a result of the site closures.
Local MP for Oldham Jim McMahon said “This is terrible news for people employed at the sites due for closure including, Shaw and Raven Mill in Oldham.
“Many of my constituents working here will be concerned about the future, and it is vital focused support is given to them.”
