An MP has taken concerns over plans to close a North Staffordshire depot to Parliament as support comes in for 400 affected workers.
FedEx revealed last week that it plans to close its warehouse in Newcastle-under-Lyme as part of ‘strategic improvements’ to its UK network which will consolidate its existing road hub infrastructure from five hubs to two brand new facilities.
The Parkhouse Industrial Estate base employs 400 people.
Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee raised the issue in the House of Commons during Business Questions, urging the firm to rethink its decision and called on the Government to back efforts to protect workers and safeguard the local economy.
Leader of the House Lucy Powell MP confirmed that a ministerial meeting will be arranged.
Adam, who is also pressing for urgent discussions with FedEx leadership, Unite the Union, and ministers, said: “Hundreds of local workers have been left facing deep uncertainty. The Parkhouse site has served our community for over three decades and has the potential to do so for many more.
“I welcome the commitment to a ministerial meeting and will use it to press the case for local jobs — and to urge FedEx to pause, listen, and work with local stakeholders on alternatives.”
The closure of five UK FedEx depots is expected to take effect by 2028 or 2029.
The two new ‘super hubs’ will be in Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire.
The Newcastle-under-Lyme site has been operating for 35 years and was formerly run by courier group ANC before its acquisition by FedEx.
FedEx says the closure is a multi-year project and there will be programs available to support relocation and other assistance.
Support for workers has also been shown by the union Unite.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham has described the plans as ‘inexcusable’ while Regional Officer Matt Draper added: “Unite will be fully supporting our members at this difficult time. We represent a large number of workers across multiple sites in the UK and will be looking to negotiate a suitable timeline for any restructuring to minimise job losses and to allow upskilling of workers to take place.”
A FedEx spokesperson said: “While there are no changes for FedEx employees in the short term, the multi-year project will affect working locations for some team members across its hubs. FedEx is committed to working closely with union and team member representatives on the delivery of the project to ensure team members are properly supported.”
Regarding the delivery hubs plans, Rob Peto, Vice President of Operations at FedEx, said: “We are excited about plans to renew our hub infrastructure in the UK and commit in the creation of two new delivery hubs.
“This is a substantial commitment into the UK and will mean we’re well positioned for future growth with a dynamic, flexible and efficient end-to-end network. It will also present exciting opportunities for our team members over the long term and further enhance the service we deliver to our customers.’’
- Constituents affected by the proposed closure can contact Adam Jogee MP’s office via adam.jogee.mp@parliament.uk for support and advice.
Typical non-business owner, no clue about economics clown in government. Hey, your business is losing money, we don’t care, you have to stay open and continue to lose money because we need votes from union members. Honestly, where do these people learn to even tie their shoes in the morning?