Fear for jobs in Yorkshire as haulier wields axe

Workers at the Cross Green depot in the city say they are among 235 staff facing the axe by the company in its northern area.

The firm said 89 jobs in Leeds are under threat. Other jobs are at risk in Goole and at Barlborough in Derbyshire. Drivers and office staff are among those facing redundancy.

Mick Posey, union shop steward at Stobart’s Leeds depot, said drivers in Goole and Barlborough were the first to be told.

“In the meeting one of the managers let it slip that Leeds is involved as well. We have found out this is true. The Leeds yard is going to be no more.”

Mr Posey said no reason had been given for the job losses.

A Stobart spokesman said: “A number of factors have contributed to this decision but, primarily, new systems and planning technology have allowed us to identify areas to cut costs within the business while still maintaining high levels of service to customers.”

The revelation has left drivers and office staff feeling bitter and angry.

One said: “They have laid off all their day and night drivers and now all the tramper drivers (those out all week) and all other staff based at Leeds have been given a letter of 30 days’ notice, which ends one week before Christmas.

“I am feeling bitter. The TV programme Trucks & Trailers shows Eddie Stobart as a caring investor in people. We are not feeling very cared for right now.”

About one third of the Goole workforce will lose their jobs.