Warehouse supplying HoF to shut affecting 280 jobs

A warehouse which supplies deliveries to House of Fraser is set to close later this year, affecting some 280 job roles.

Trade union Usdaw announced that the Wellingborough, Northampton site, operated by XPO Logistics will shut on 10 April. The union said the closure ended months of “uncertainty for staff” after the department chain’s administrators revealed it owed XPO £30.4m.

Despite being rescued from administration by Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley, the pre-pack deal meant the new owner would not take on House of Fraser’s outstanding debts.

XPO closed its Milton Keynes warehouse in November last year when it stopped processing orders for the department store after Sports Direct refused to pay an outstanding bill. This resulted in the loss of over 300 jobs.

Dave Thom, Usdaw area organiser, said: “There were clearly doubts over the future of XPO’s involvement in House of Fraser, following its sale to Sports Direct. Today’s announcement ends months of uncertainty for staff, who are understandably upset by the proposed closure.

“Usdaw is now entering into consultation talks with the company to secure the best possible deal for our members. We are also speaking to local employers, who recognise Usdaw, to see if they have employment opportunities for any XPO staff who lose their jobs.”

He added: “We are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this difficult time.”