Wincanton admits 875 jobs at risk

Wincanton admits the two sites are expected to close

About 875 jobs are at risk at distribution company Wincanton after it confirmed that two of its depots may close in the spring.

Wincanton said the sites in Gloucester and Trafford Park, Manchester are "likely" to close after the part sale of its chilled foods distribution arm.

The company announced in November that it was selling a majority stake in this business to rival Culina.

Wincanton said it was exploring ways to avoid the closure of the two sites.

'Consultation process'

The company said the two facilities are expected to close as their work will instead be carried out by Culina sites.

We are opposing these closures and we want to use the consultation process to explore all reasonable alternatives Eddie Gaudie, GMB union

"Wincanton is exploring alternative uses for the site and seeking opportunities with current and future customers to avoid closure," said a spokesman.

Eddie Gaudie, an organiser at the GMB, said the union was now consulting with Wincanton regarding the future of the two sites.

"We are opposing these closures and we want to use the consultation process to explore all reasonable alternatives," he said.