// Shop Direct signs deal to transfer the Raven Mill returns centre to Clipper Logistics to safeguard 200 jobs
// Clipper Logistics will manage Shop Direct’s returns until it relocates to new east midlands fulfilment centre in 2021
Shop Direct has struck a deal to transfer the Raven Mill returns centre in Oldham, Manchester and its returns activity to logistics firm Clipper Logistics, in a bid to save 200 jobs.
Clipper Logistics will manage Shop Direct’s returns at the Raven Mill site which spans 215,000sq ft, until it relocates to the retailer’s new East Midlands fulfilment centre in two years.
Shop Direct’s 403 employees at the Raven Mill site will be transferred to Clipper Logistics under the protection of employment rules (TUPE).
Meanwhile, Clipper Logistics aims to save up to 200 Raven Mill colleagues for separate ongoing operational activity after Shop Direct’s returns activity is transferred in the five-year deal.
However, around 200 jobs at the site are threatened as staff are likely to face redundancy following the transfer, while Shop Direct said the redundancies are expected to take place on a voluntary basis.
As part of the deal, Clipper Logistics will handle some of Shop Direct’s specialist returns and pre-retail activity from 2021 from its Swadlincote, Derbyshire site.
“Our priority continues to be working in partnership with the joint taskforce to give affected colleagues across all our greater Manchester fulfilment sites the training, development and other types of support they need to help them prepare for the future,” Shop Direct group operations director Phil Hackney said.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
