Bradford jobs at risk as work transfers to St Helens

The move follows the takeover of Somerfield supermarkets by the Co-operative Group which led to a review of the Co-op’s logistics network.

The Bradford operation in Cutler Heights Lane, near Dudley Hill, will be transferred to an enlarged Somerfield distribution centre at Lea Green, near St Helens, which is operated by logistics company Wincanton.

Formal consultations have begun with the 110 staff at Cutler Heights, including more than 80 drivers and warehouse staff, who will have the option of automatically transferring to Lea Green under Wincanton management. A redundancy package will be available for those who choose not to transfer.

The remaining staff, comprising managers, team leaders and clerical staff, will be able to apply for new posts at Lea Green, but will also have the option of accepting a redundancy package if they prefer.

A Co-op spokesman said: “The group recognises that a major change like this will create some anxiety for staff, and will endeavour to provide them with as much information as possible at all stages.” The Co-op, headed by Bradford-born chief executive Peter Marks, said it had been reviewing its distribution needs since 2007 “to enable it to continue to meet the distribution needs of its food stores”.

It completed the exercise after the acquisition of Somerfield in March last year and a new distribution centre would be established by expanding the existing Somerfield depot, said the spokesman.

He said: “Staff at the Cutler Heights site have been told about the review from the outset, and have been kept fully informed of developments. Detailed timings have yet to be confirmed, but the transfer is expected to take place in the second half of this year.”