Jobs fears for 200 Doncaster Tesco drivers
Tesco distribution centre, Middle Bank, Doncaster.
HUNDREDS of lorry drivers fear they could lose their jobs at a Doncaster distribution centre after their contracts were transferred.
Tesco has switched staff at its distribution centre in Middle Bank, at Doncaster Carr, to work for haulage giant Eddie Stobart, which is taking over the running of the operation.
But unions at the depot say the staff are worried about their future as they have received no assurances over their long-term plans.
The centre employs 200 drivers, who deliver to the company’s stores across the north of England. They are expecting to have their employment transferred at the end of the week.
Harriet Eisner, official for the union Unite, which represents the drivers, said: “It is a TUPE transfer which is supposed to protect terms and conditions. We’ve been in talks with Eddie Stobart who have not been able to give us guarantees about what is going to happen after this weekend.
“We have tried to get assurances about what will happen in the medium to long term, a few weeks down the line, but they are refusing to give them.
“Our members are very concerned because they are fearing the worst for their jobs, and Eddie Stobart are doing nothing to reassure them.
“All they are saying is they don’t know what’s happening.”
She said there was concern that, because Eddie Stobart already has its own fleet and drivers, the company may not keep the Tesco staff on.
She said there is also a fear that, if they are kept on, they may see their pay and conditions reduced in the longer term.
Tesco said its other distribution depots had already been transferred to Eddie Stobart.
A Tesco spokesman 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.”
No-one was available for comment at Eddie Stobart.
Doncaster Central MP Rosie Winterton ise aware of the situation.
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Friday 24 May 2013
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