Job threat at Huntingdon supermarket depot

FORTY jobs could be axed at a supermarket distribution depot in Huntingdon.

FORTY jobs are under threat at a supermarket distribution depot in Huntingdon.

Wincanton staff at the Somerfield depot in Spittals Way, where 130 people currently work, have been told more jobs are at risk - 85 redundancies took place last year, impacting on warehouse, administration and clerical roles.

Employees were told of the latest wave of potential job cuts last Thursday morning (July 8), with a decision expected in August.

One worker, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Hunts Post: “Morale is low. Our workload has dropped but it’s a hard time for us all. We’re only just getting over the last lot of redundancies.”

Wincanton operates two depots on behalf of Somerfield in Cambridgeshire. The redundancies do not impact on the Wincanton depot in Cardinal Way, Godmanchester.

In a statement the company said it was “hopeful, subject to consultation” that the affected staff would move to the Godmanchester site.

The potential job cuts follow the �1.57billion sale of Somerfield to the Co-operative Group last year, making the Co-op the UK’s fifth largest supermarket chain.

A spokesman for Wincanton said: “Following the acquisition by the Co-operative of the Somerfield business a series of changes has taken place in the distribution network due to the integration of the two businesses.

“A full strategic review of the distribution network has been undertaken and, as a consequence, it is proposed to transfer some of the volume from the Somerfield distribution facility at Huntingdon into the Co-operative’s national distribution centre in Coventry.

“This proposal in no way reflects the commitment and contribution of the Wincanton team in Huntingdon, whose performance has been exemplary.”