The Yodel distribution centre in Shaw closed its doors last month, putting 350 jobs at risk and leaving employees facing an uncertain future. An ex-employee, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of losing their redundancy pay, expressed their dismay at the lack of suitable job options for their specialism. This individual, a father of two girls, mentioned that being over 50 years old has made it difficult to secure new employment. Despite receiving a redundancy payment of £5,000, they are concerned about running out of money by October due to a lack of savings.
The closure of the distribution centre has had a significant impact on the mental health of employees, with some individuals resorting to antidepressants to cope with the stress and anxiety caused by the situation. The ex-employee emphasized the devastating mental health effects that people have experienced as a result of the closure.
The decision to close the centre was initially announced in 2020, with the company citing the need to relocate to a more suitable site within the next five years. While local councillors had hoped that Yodel would remain in the area by moving to a larger warehouse, the company ultimately decided to shut down the centre due to changes in sortation needs and a strategic review.
In response to the closure, Yodel has expressed gratitude for the support of its former employees and stated that they have been working closely with stakeholders to provide support packages for those affected. The company recently secured an £85 million funding deal to address financial concerns following a previous brush with bankruptcy.
Councillor Fida Hussain, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, reassured those impacted by the closure that the council is committed to providing assistance. The Get Oldham Working teams have been offering free one-to-one support and guidance to affected employees, including organizing a jobs fair with various partners to discuss potential vacancies. Despite the closure of the site, the council remains dedicated to supporting former Yodel employees in finding new opportunities.
The skills and experience of these individuals are valued by many organizations, and the Get Oldham Working team is available to provide comprehensive assistance, including help with CV writing, interview preparation, qualifications, and even interview attire through the Working Wardrobe project. Additionally, the council can offer support with a range of other issues such as benefits, food, mental health, and housing advice to ensure that those affected by the closure receive the help they need during this challenging time.
