News

Drivers who transferred to Stobart Group from Tesco are deciding on their futures after union leaders agreed new terms as well as redundancy packages. The 130 employees at the regional distribution centre (RDC) in Middlewich, Cheshire have been given the  option of continuing their employment with Stobart or taking redundancy - the package transferred from Tesco under the TUPE agreement.

The drivers had been waiting for an announcement following a 90-day consultation period involving the Unite union and company bosses. A final meeting has now taken place, and both parties say a satisfactory conclusion has been reached. Julie Gaskell, Stobart Group head of communications, says: "We've worked closely with the union and feel we've achieved the best possible outcome. We hope that, given the choice, our drivers will continue to work for us under the new terms and conditions."

Lawrence Chapple-Gill, Unite North-West regional officer, says: "There was an overwhelming vote in favour of these packages. People are now free to make a decision on whether they want to continue working or take redundancy. "With regards to the talks, they have been completed satisfactorily because the vast number of members voted for the packages. Those  who make the initial decision to stay will have the right to try the job under the new terms on a trial basis.

"If they decide it's not for them, they can revert to taking redundancy."