Shepherd Group to axe over 50 employees

SHEPHERD GROUP, one of Yorkshire’s biggest family-owned businesses, is to make 55 staff redundant at its ​Shepherd Construction business.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th May 2015, 18:01 BST

There has been speculation that ​York-based Shepherd is looking to sell the construction division in order to focus on its profitable ​Portakabin business, but the company declined to comment.

Shepherd said the reduction in headcount was necessary to support an anticipated reduction in 2015/16 revenues to ensure a sustainable business going forward.

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​Shepherd said: “We can confirm that we have made 37 compulsory redundancies, with an additional 18 employees taking voluntary redundancy.

“We are doing everything possible to prioritise the welfare of staff affected, and ensure our effectiveness as a leading built environment specialist.”

Shepherd Construction employs 300 staff.

Shepherd has a number of non-core businesses that could be sold off in order to focus on Portakabin, which makes prefabricated, portable and temporary buildings. Shepherd Construction and Shepherd Group Engineering have both reported disappointing sales.

In March, trade magazine Construction Enquirer said construction firm Wates was weighing up a takeover of Shepherd Construction, Shepherd Engineering Services and Shepherd FM.

Related topics:PortakabinYorkshireYork