Shop Direct staff receive unanimous support of delegates at Usdaw conference

Delegates at retail union Usdaw’s annual conference in Blackpool gave workers from Shop Direct a standing ovation today in a show of solidarity as they fight to save their jobs.

Liverpool-based online retailer Shop Direct announced that they plan to move their fulfilment operations from three Greater Manchester sites to a new centre in the East Midlands, putting almost 2,000 jobs in jeopardy.

John Hannett, Usdaw general secretary, said: “Conference delegates today rightly extended their heartfelt support and solidarity to each and every one of our members affected by the shock announcement from Shop Direct.

“We are grateful to the local council leaders, constituency MPs and the Greater Manchester Mayor who have all voiced their support for our members at this difficult time.”

He added: “Usdaw will provide our reps and officials all the support and expertise they require as they go through a meaningful consultation process, interrogating the company’s business case for their plans and looking at every option to save jobs and keep the business in the North West.”

Last week Usdaw praised Oldham East and Saddleworth Labour MP Debbie Abrahams for raising the plight of the Shop Direct staff in Prime Minister’s Question Time.

She has also secured a meeting with Business Secretary, the Rt Hon Greg Clark.

Two weeks ago £1.9bn turnover Shop Direct, which includes the Very.com and Littlewoods.com brands, said it intends to transfer work from three sites, in Chadderton, Shaw, and Salford, to a new location because they do not meet its “operational ambitions”.

Closure of the sites could start from 2020.