HelloFresh plans site closure with 900 jobs at risk

The HelloFresh site in Nuneaton will shut in May, if plans go ahead

Food delivery company HelloFresh has announced it plans to close its distribution centre in Nuneaton, putting almost 900 jobs at risk.

The firm said it had not taken the decision lightly and would enter into a consultation process with affected employees.

The Community Trade Union, which represents employees, called the news "dreadful" and said the workforce deserved better.

It comes after staff at the warehouse staged a protest earlier this month after 79 workers were dismissed.

Union officials claimed the dismissals came after some complained about working conditions including toilet break policies.

HelloFresh denied the claims and said staff had been dismissed for "serious breaches of employment terms".

Speaking on Wednesday, the firm told the BBC it was reviewing its operations to make sure it was working sustainably and delivering the "best possible product" to its customers.

It said the majority of workers would be offered redeployment to its other sites in Derby and Banbury, should they be interested.

It added that moving to a "two-site model" would help it reduce waste and cut its carbon footprint while offering customers personalisation.

About 80 staff members met with union leaders in protest of the sacking

The proposal is for the Nuneaton site to remain operational until at least mid-2025.

"We know how unsettling this can be for our employees who we are supporting throughout the consultation process," a HelloFresh statement read.

"If the proposal is accepted, we will prioritise redeployment opportunities within the business and look to offer incentives to employees who stay with us until the site eventually closes.

"The planned closure of the site is no reflection on the performance of the local team and we are grateful for their hard work and commitment."

Gavin Miller from Community said: "It has been brought to our attention that HelloFresh intends to close its Nuneaton distribution centre next May.

"This is dreadful news for everyone who works on site, this workforce deserves better and Community will be challenging the company to prove the merits of their proposal and demonstrate that they have considered all viable alternatives.

"Community will be representing and supporting our members at HelloFresh through this difficult time – they will receive the full backing of their union."

Jodie Gosling, MP for Nuneaton, said any loss of local jobs was "concerning".

"I will be working with affected staff, Community union and the company to explore mitigations and alternatives to this announcement," she said.

"I urge any constituents who have been affected by this development to reach out to my office."