Oldham Liberal Democrats respond to news that Yodel will close Shaw site

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has responded following emerging news that Yodel will close their Shaw site, leading to the loss of more than 370 jobs in the area and beyond.

Yodel was bought out by YDLGP Limited earlier this year and its new owners have taken the decision to close the Shaw site.  A 45-day statutory consultation period with employees will now begin, with staff being notified from today (20/05). 

Councillor Sykes said, “My first thoughts are with the staff and their families who are personally affected by this decision by Yodel.  This news will hardly come as a surprise, but it is still a disappointment for those affected.” 

It is understood that a very limited number of staff will be offered a transfer to Yodel’s Middleton depot.  Plans for the future development of housing on the Shaw site have been lodged and approved in outline with Oldham Council’s planning department for some time.  

Councillor Sykes said, “The loss of well-paid blue-collar jobs is hard to take for Shaw and Oldham.  We have done everything we can to urge Yodel to look after their local workforce, which they have assured me they are doing.  But job losses are difficult and painful.” 

“As a Shaw councillor and with the support of my Liberal Democrat colleagues, I have acted from day one to ensure that Oldham Council’s Economic and Regeneration Department were notified and to refer the situation to ‘Get Oldham Working’ for more help.  I have also updated the Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, as well as relevant officers at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Greater Manchester Growth Company who can also provide assistance.”

More from Oldham Liberal Democrats on Yodel in Shaw
Shaw Liberal Democrats seek to save Shaw jobs after Yodel move – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)