DHL Freight UK has announced a period of consultation with a view to close its UK operations blaming low volumes of work and falling revenues during 2016.
DHL Freight offer air, ocean, road or rail logistics to any company who want to outsource their operations. Whilst it’s unlikely to impact ecommerce deliveries directly, the loss of competition in supply chain logistics lessens choice which could result in increased costs in the future.
The proposed move could lead to the loss of 520 jobs, and the closure of its depots at Aberdeen, Bellshill, Newcastle, Warrington, Wakefield, Coalville, Norwich, Andover, Bristol, and Exeter sites. 100 jobs have already been lost with Cardiff and Hemel Hempstead both closed and Exeter partially closed.
The announcement just 12 days before Christmas couldn’t come at a worse time of year for employees (except perhaps CityLink who announced on Christmas Day), leading to Mick Rix, GMB National Officer to say “This announcement is a kick in the teeth to the loyal, hard-working and highly trained workforce across the DHL Freight UK network” adding “DHL Freight UK has made this announcement two weeks before Christmas and the festive period. I am sure most staff will not thank the company for the worst Christmas present ever“.
