In summary, Studio Retail is currently proposing, subject to consultation with Usdaw, the following changes:
- Restructuring their Accrington warehouse and reducing the overall number of staff employed there.
- Transferring the personalisation of products service from Studio to Frasers, with the permanent relocation of the department to Shirebrook.
- The Integration of the operations at the Widnes warehouse into the Accrington facility, which could result in the permanent closure of the Widnes warehouse.
- Closure of the Trafford office, moving the functions to the Clayton office in Lancashire and Fraser's Academy House based in London.
Julia Baldwin – Usdaw Area Organiser says: “Studio Retail’s proposal of further redundancies at the Accrington site and the possible closure of the Widnes warehouse and Trafford office is devastating news all staff. After many recent operational changes within the business, this further restructuring leaves staff in a very uncertain position and worried for their future at Studio Retail.
“Usdaw reps are supporting members through this difficult time and through the consultation process we are seeking the best possible outcome for those impacted. The union is working with the company to identify suitable alternative roles to maximise the number of staff retained in employment.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest trade union with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion