Trade union Unite has raised concerns about the job security of drivers working for Tesco at its Doncaster facility who are set to move into the employment of Eddie Stobart this weekend, as the firm takes over operations at the site.
Unite regional officer Harriet Eisner said: “One of the options could see the Doncaster transport operation being closed completely – and more than 200 employees being made redundant in a town that has already suffered greatly because of the economic situation.
David Pickering, Eddie Stobart managing director, said: “Once the operation at Tesco Doncaster has transferred across to Eddie Stobart, we will conduct a full assessment to understand how the resource can integrate into our network, and we will undertake a full review and staff consultation before any changes are made.”
A Tesco spokesperson said: “As part of a recent review of our distribution network, we announced plans to transfer the transport operation at our Doncaster Distribution Centre to Eddie Stobart Ltd. This is in line with Tesco’s wider distribution network in the region.
“We are now going through a period of consultation, working with affected colleagues and their union representatives from Unite to help them through this transition.”
Eisner said: “The drivers deserve to know that their jobs will be safeguarded once the Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) arrangements come into force this weekend.”