Hundreds of jobs at risk as Waitrose proposes warehouse closure
Waitrose has launched a consultation process after announcing plans to close a delivery warehouse
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Waitrose has announced plans to close a delivery warehouse in North London this year, putting 545 jobs at risk.
The supermarket, owned by the John Lewis Partnership, has launched a consultation process regarding the potential closure of the site in Enfield.
The lease on the warehouse, which only opened in 2020, is set to end in early 2025.
Under the proposals, the warehouse would likely close this summer.
The Enfield Customer Fulfilment Centre is used to pick and deliver online orders for customers in some parts of North London.
The warehouse was launched amid a boom in online grocery demand aat the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 500 jobs have been put at risk
PA
It's understood Waitrose intends to move orders which currently go through the site to two other locations.
A final decision on the proposal won't take place until the consultation process, set to last at least 12 weeks, is completed.
A Waitrose spokesman said: “With rental costs at Enfield due to increase and capacity elsewhere in our network, we are considering the closure of the site.
“While not an option we’re exploring lightly, the proposal would maintain our high levels of customer service for Waitrose.com and support future growth.
“It’s in no way a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team.
“No decision will be made until we have fully consulted with all partners at our Enfield site, who are being supported throughout the process.”
Parent group John Lewis Partnership is currently making cost-cutting efforts.
Last week, Sharon White, the chairwoman of the partnership, said there is “no target” for job cuts but did signal some roles would be affected.
She said: “Part of our refresh plan is that we are becoming simpler and more flexible.
“There will be less need for some roles in some areas over the coming years as a result, but there is no specific target.”
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Waitrose is a part of John Lewis Partnership
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The employee-owned group reported pre-tax profits of £56million for the year to January 27, up against losses of £234million in the previous year.
The retailer said after "careful consideration", it wouldn't pay its 76,000 workers an annual bonus for the second consecutive year.
It marked the third time since 1953 that it had not made the payout.
John Lewis said it would boost overall pay for employees by a record £116million this year. Around 45,000 employees are set to see their salary increase by 10 per cent from April.
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