Council supports jobs' petition

A council is supporting a union petition to save hundreds of jobs.

Worcester City Council is backing workers whose jobs are under threat at the Kays/Littlewoods Shop Direct warehousing and distribution sites.

The council is making T&G petition forms available at the Guildhall and customer service Centre in Farrier Street.

If the site does close it will end more than 110 years of history between the Kays name and the city of Worcester.

'Devastating effect'

Shop Direct announced in September it wants to move the jobs to the North West.

Council leader Stephen Inman said: "We do not normally promote petitions but everyone is aware that the loss of the site would have a devastating effect on the workforce and their families as well as the wider community.

"Clearly we want to show our support in a practical way and would urge as many people as possible to sign the petition. The more names we can muster, the more effective the petition will be."

The majority of staff are women working in the warehouse, with some at a printing works.