HUNDREDS of jobs are at risk at Lidl’s warehouse in Lutterworth, after the retailer announced plans to close the site down and move their jobs over 50 miles away.
Lidl plans to close its 350-employee Lutterworth Regional Distribution Centre in July 2020 and move operations to a new centre in Peterborough.
The company said it explored all options before coming to the ‘difficult decision’ that the warehouse could not support its future growth in the UK.
A spokesperson said: “If the proposals go ahead, all of our employees will be given the opportunity to continue working within the business.
“We will work closely with our colleagues during the consultation to discuss options, including relocating to our new Peterborough warehouse, alternative employment opportunities in Lidl stores or elsewhere in our business, or a redundancy package and other possible support.”
The company has refused to speak to Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) over the move.
Usdaw national officer Mark Todd said: “The staff are devastated by Lidl’s plans. To ensure they are treated with dignity and respect the company must engage with Usdaw, the trade union for Lidl staff.
“It is deeply regrettable that the company continues to refuse to speak to Usdaw. Lidl says they have chosen ‘not to formally recognise trade unions’. That position unfairly denies the choice of staff to be represented by a trade union, so we are calling on the company to reconsider.
“We urge Lidl to end their continued opposition to trade unions and meet with Usdaw. In the meantime we are providing our members with the advice and support they need at this difficult time.”
The Lidl spokesperson said their policy regarding trade unions was ‘in line with many other businesses’.
They added: “Our absolute focus is on consulting with, and supporting, all colleagues affected by these proposals.
“We value direct communication and relationships with our employees, and our commitment to fairness across our entire workforce, along with our dedication to nurturing a collaborative environment, forms a central part of our core values.
“We are, therefore, committed to delivering a fair and open consultation process for our colleagues.”
