M&S to shutter two distribution centres putting almost 700 jobs at risk

Marks and Spencer has announced plans to shutter two of its distribution centres in spring 2021, putting nearly 700 jobs at risk.

The affected sites are the Thorncliffe and Long Eaton distribution centres, which are operated by XPO and DHL respectively, and each employed around 330 staff.

It comes amid a review of logistics operations by Marks and Spencer, which plans to move over to a nationally connected network of distribution centres to “best serve [its] customers”.

Ed Leach, Usdaw area organiser said the proposed closure has “come as a shock” and is “devastating news for staff”.

He added: “Usdaw will now enter into meaningful consultations with the company where we will interrogate the business case and secure the best possible outcome for all affected.”

An M&S spokesperson told Retail Sector: “We’re in the early stages of changing our supply chain to address flow of product and availability for our customers. As part of this we’ll no longer be serving our stores from our Thorncliffe and Long Eaton distribution centres.

“Moving the operations is not a decision we’ve taken lightly but it’s an important change to help us best serve our customers as we move to a nationally connected network.”

They added: “Our logistics partners will be working closely with the colleagues at the sites on what is best for them.”