Staff at newspaper delivery firm Menzies Distribution in Ryde say they have been told their jobs are at risk of redundancy.
It’s claimed that more than 20 positions are now ‘at risk’, but Menzies has refused to comment on the matter.
Staff at the distribution depot on Nicholson Road are responsible for almost all of the daily newspaper deliveries across the Island, 364 days of the year.
One employee has told Island Echo:
“There is a huge opportunity for Menzies Distribution to diversify their revenue streams and save these jobs rather than put them ‘at risk’.
“There is capacity to provide next-day delivery for parcels throughout the United Kingdom and often vehicles are empty when they return from the Island, so I am unsure why HQ have chosen to lay off staff instead of diversifying”.
Responding to the claims, a spokesperson for Menzies has said:
“Menzies Distribution is committed to providing a route to market for newstrade products and in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the category. As part of this, we regularly review our operations.
Article continues below this advertisement
When asked whether or not the redundancies would result in the closure of the Isle of Wight depot, the spokesperson said:
“We have no intention of closing the depot in Ryde”.
It’s unknown at this time when the redundancies are likely to occur and how many jobs will be lost in total – if any.
