We use cookies to ensure that we can give you the best user experience. By continuing to use our website you are consenting to their use. Find out more.

What language do you need?

Two thousand staff shocked and devastated by the proposed closure of Shop Direct sites in the North West

Date: 11 April 2018 Usdaw members at three Shop Direct home shopping sites were today left deeply shocked, devastated and let down when the company announced plans to close its remaining fulfilment sites in the North West and move the business to the East Midlands.
The sites at Shaw (near Oldham), Raven Mill in Chadderton (near Oldham) and Little Hulton (near Bolton) are under threat of closure within the next 2-3 years. The proposed closures will put under threat 1200 jobs at Shop Direct and a further 800 agency staff.
 
Mike Aylward - Usdaw Divisional Officer says: “Our members are understandably shocked and devastated by today’s announcement of the proposed closure and relocation of the Shop Direct sites. The company has been providing employment for families in the North West for many decades and these sites have different generations of the same families working there. The impact of closures will be huge on hundreds of families, local businesses and the local communities.
 
“We are seeking an urgent meeting with the company to look at the business case for the proposed closures and we will look to mobilise the support of local MPs and councillors.
 
“The Union has officials onsite to provide help, advice and support at this very difficult time.
 
“Today’s announcement is also a very sad day for the North West as Shop Direct was created from the merger of the iconic mail order and retail giants, Littlewoods and Great Universal Stores and these are the company’s last remaining fulfilment sites in the region.”
 
Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 17% in the last five years and by nearly a third in the last decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the Union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.

Share this page

Free prize draw

Enter our free prize draw to win a £100 Love2Shop Gift Voucher courtesy of Usdaw Protect.

The official website of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers