Tesco has reiterated its pledge to support devastated workers after the supermarket giant pulled the plug on hundreds of jobs at its Chesterfield depot.
Last week the company announced its grocery distribution centre in Barlborough will close by September with the loss of 400 jobs.
The supermarket giant said affected staff would be offered alternative roles within the company – including at new distribution centres almost 200 miles away in Reading and Dagenham.
A Tesco spokesman said: “We understand that this is a difficult time and will give colleagues our full support.
“We have begun a consultation process at the Barborough site with colleagues and their union, Usdaw.
“We will have one-to-one meetings with each colleague to discuss the opportunities available to them, including any store vacancies in the area as well as roles elsewhere in the distribution network.
“We’ll work to understand the challenges that face each colleague and try to see how we can support them to take up one of these positions.
“As the consultation evolves, we will work with local stakeholders and councils to help any colleagues who decide they don’t want to take up another role in Tesco find alternative employment nearby.”
Asked why Tesco has decided to close its Barlborough depot, the spokesman added: “We have undertaken a review of our distribution network to make sure that it can support our business in the future.
“That means having the right resources in the right places for our customers and our stores.
“Unfortunately, it was decided that our grocery network was better served from distribution centres elsewhere in the country.”
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