Carlsberg logistics switch raises fears for hundreds of jobs
UNIONS are seeking assurances on the jobs of their members after Carlsberg revealed it plans to transfer its logistics operations to DHL Tradeteam during 2017 and 2018 so that it can focus on core beer and brewing.
The proposal to outsource will impact jobs of the employees directly involved with porterage and secondary logistics activities, the brewing company said.
Carlsberg, which has a depot in Coleshill, employs 1,800 people in the UK, roughly 900 of whom work in logistics.
“We recognize this is a significant change for our business and in particular our employees,” said CEO Julian Momen.
“In the longer-term, this transformation will build a sustainable business focused on our core offering, which is brewing premium-quality beers and building brands.”
Unite regional officer Joe Clarke said: “We are dismayed by this announcement. We are waiting to see the full business plan that the Carlsberg management has prepared before we can comment in detail.
“The bottom line for Unite is that of job security of our members – we will fight any proposals for compulsory redundancies.
“We will also want copper-bottomed guarantees on pay, and terms and conditions should workers be TUPE’d [Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations] to DHL Tradeteam.”
Unions reps from across the UK will be meeting management at Carlsberg’s Northampton headquarters on July 11 when it hopes further details will be available on the company’s proposals.
Besides delivering its own products, Carlsberg’s distribution operation also has contracts with the pub chains JD Wetherspoon and Burton-upon-Trent-based Punch Taverns.
The 11 Carlsberg depots are at: Alloa, Birmingham, Bourne (Lincolnshire), Durham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Northampton, Nash Mead (Newport, South Wales), Southampton and Torquay.
