Some 865 jobs could to be lost as a result of site closures at Gloucester and Trafford Park, following the merger of the Wincanton and Culina chilled consolidation businesses.
Wincanton said: “It is proposed to migrate volumes from Wincanton’s sites at Gloucester and Trafford Park into the Culina network, with effect from early April 2009.
“This proposal will affect the employment of all Wincanton employees at these sites and their associated outbases, which amounts to approximately 450 at Gloucester and 415 at Trafford Park. Should the proposed migration of volumes go ahead, it is likely that both sites will close. In the meantime, Wincanton is exploring alternative uses for the sites and seeking opportunities with current and future customers to avoid closure.”
Under the deal, announced in November, the joint venture will be owed 80 per cent by Culina and 20 per cent by Wincanton.
Trade union GMB is fighting the job losses. Organiser Eddie Gaudie said: “GMB is still in negotiation and consolation with Wincanton regarding this matter. I have to say that as things stand all the jobs at Trafford Park and Gloucester are at risk of being lost. GMB is opposing the closures and want to see all alternatives fully explored before the end of the consultation period.”
Culina employs 1,600 people at nine sites including Goole, Haverhill, Leyton Buzzard, Market Drayton, Milton Keynes, Pucklechurch, Stafford, Warrington and Wolverhampton.
