Job losses looming: Large number of workers at risk at Iceland warehouse in Deeside

A large number of jobs are at risk at Iceland’s warehouse in Deeside.

Over 100 jobs are under threat at the warehouse distribution hub on Deeside Industrial Estate, though some reports suggest as many as 240 workers could be facing redundancy.

The warehouse is run by the logistics company GXO, the company has decided to repurpose the depot as a third-party storage facility.

Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami expressed deep concern over the potential redundancies, calling on both companies to change course and protect the livelihood of families in the area.

GXO has confirmed that it will begin consultations with Deeside depot employees which will begin later this week.

The company stated that it will take steps to “minimise the impact of the change on employees.”

This news comes just four years after the Deeside depot saw a large job creation announcement, raising questions about the companies’ commitments to the local community.

The decision to repurpose the depot is part of a strategic review of Iceland’s distribution network, following significant investments by the company in Swindon, Livingston, and Warrington.

MP Mark Tami emphasised the importance of protecting jobs and the values of good business, and called on GXO and Iceland to do the same.

He said: “I am deeply concerned by the risk of redundancies at Iceland’s warehouse in Deeside.

“This move puts the livelihood of families across Deeside on the line in the middle of a cost of living crisis, and I call on Iceland and GXO Logistics to change course.”

“The Deeside depot saw a large job creation announcement made just four years ago.”

“This is an important part of a good business, and I hope both companies involved will deliver on the values they publicly champion, and protect workers’ jobs here in Flintshire.”

A GXO spokesperson said: “Following a strategic review of the Iceland distribution network, GXO is proposing repurposing the Deeside depot as a third-party storage facility, effective as of April 1st.”

“The decision follows significant investments by Iceland over the past three years to increase the capacity of its Swindon sites and Livingston retail distribution centres (RDC), and to create the new RDC in Warrington, which are expected to help the company meet all of its current and projected operational needs.

“GXO will initiate consultations with the Deeside depot employees the week of February 6th, 2023, with the process taking a minimum of 45 days.”

“GXO will take every step to minimise the impact of this change on its employees, offering redeployment to the wider GXO and Iceland distribution networks, as well as support with finding external opportunities.”