Nestle is shaking up its warehousing operations in the UK and Ireland, resulting in possible redundancies for dozens of workers. The company has begun consulting its logistics warehouse CF2 in York, which currently employs around 70 workers, with 39 roles understood to be at risk. The shake-up will see the facility moving to a full pallet operation, which will require less staff.
Nestle’s decision to reorganise its logistics operations in the UK and Ireland comes as the company looks to reduce complexity, increase capacity, and improve its service to customers. The company has stated that the proposed changes would create a more efficient distribution network but would involve a reduction in the number of roles required at its York site.
A Nestle spokesperson said that the company is speaking to its employees about this proposal first and nothing will be confirmed until consultation has been completed. It is not clear at this stage how many redundancies will result from the restructuring, but it is hoped that the number will be kept to a minimum.
GMB organiser Katharine Mitchell has expressed concern about the announcement, saying that it means a very worrying uncertain time for those members whose jobs are at risk. The GMB Union is working with Nestle to reduce the number of job losses, and regular meetings are planned between the parties. Mitchell has also stated that the GMB Union has a strong track record of getting good outcomes for workers at Nestle, and it will ensure that its members’ voices are heard.
The shake-up of Nestle’s warehousing operations in the UK and Ireland is a worrying development for the workers at its York site, but it is hoped that the number of redundancies resulting from this restructuring will be kept to a minimum and that Nestle and the GMB Union can work together to support workers during this period of change.
