Press Release

Carphone Makes 100 Redundant and Censors Union

30 April 2009

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has learnt that Carphone Warehouse is making at least an additional 100 people redundant on top the recent announcement of 450 job losses. This comes as the company blocks a union website providing advice to staff and suspends two union members in Wednesbury.

Carphone Warehouse announced 60 redundancies from its North Acton site yesterday (Wednesday). A further 50 jobs are estimated to have gone from around the country taking the total losses to over 550. The company has also blocked access to the http://carphoneworker.co.uk website which offers advice, updates and networking for CW staff. Disciplinary hearings are underway for two staff suspended at the Wednesbury distribution plant in what has been described as a union-busting move.

Andy Kerr, CWU deputy general secretary, said: "It is vital that Carphone Warehouse is up front about job losses at this difficult time.

"Blocking access to a union-run website is very worrying as it denies staff independent advice and information and sends the wrong message on union membership, especially given the company has acknowledged that information on the site is accurate.

"Union membership is a legal right and one which progressive, modern and responsible companies should welcome. Staff morale and performance is key to any business.

"We urge Carphone Warehouse to engage with the CWU and staff and take a voluntary approach to any job losses at this pivotal time for the company."