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Press Release

Unite wants to quiz Argos on Corby distribution hub closure

3 February 2012

Unite, the largest union in the country, wants to know why Argos has decided to close one of its most efficient distribution sites, employing about 750 staff, at Corby, Northamptonshire.

Argos, the UK's largest general retailer, has terminated its contract with haulage and storage company, Wincanton, which employs the employees at the Corby site.

Argos wants to take the staff 'in-house' and transfer them to Lutterworth, 30 miles away in Leicestershire when Corby closes in October.

There are about 440 staff at Corby, including warehouse staff and drivers, as well as 300 agency workers. Unite has more than 300 members at the site.

Unite's regional officer Adrian Jones said today (Friday 3 February): ”We want to know the exact reasons why Argos has decided to close the site.

”This time last year we know that the Corby centre was the most efficient of Argos' seven distribution hubs, so why the closure now with all the adverse affects on Corby's economy and employment?

”There is also the issue of workers, who are not well-paid, paying much-increased transport costs to travel to Lutterworth 30 miles away.

”Many employees don't have a car and could not afford to buy one. Also, the way public transport is structured in Northamptonshire makes getting to Lutterworth, a logistical nightmare, if not an impossibility.

”Unite wants the Corby site to remain open – that's our main objective, which we will convey to the Argos management, when they agree to meet us.“

Unite met with Wincanton to discuss the situation yesterday (Thursday), but Adrian Jones said: ”It is Argos, which is driving this and that's who we need to influence to change its mind.“



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