Fears for 1,000 Carlsberg distribution jobs: union

The brewery giant revealed plans this week to transfer its remaining secondary logistics operations to DHL Tradeteam during 2017 and 2018.

The decision – following a strategic review of its supply chain operations – would enable Carlsberg to create a business that was “agile and responsive and focused on brewing premium quality beer brands for its consumers and customers”, ​it said.

Outsourcing logistics was also said to offer “a sustainable long-term solution in terms of service and cost”.​

The union – which represents drivers, warehouse operatives and administration staff in 11 depots – asked Carlsberg for urgent clarification of its plans.

Unite regional officer Joe Clarke said: “We are dismayed by this announcement. We are waiting to see the full business plan that the Carlsberg management has prepared before we can comment in detail.​

“The bottom line for Unite is that of job security of our members – we will fight any proposals for compulsory redundancies.” ​

‘Copper-bottomed guarantees’​

The union said it wanted “copper-bottomed guarantees”​ on pay, and terms and conditions if workers’ contracts were switched to DHL under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations.

“Union reps from across the UK will be meeting management at Carlsberg’s Northampton headquarters on Monday July 11​ when we hope that flesh is put on the bones of the company’s proposals.”​

Carlsberg UK ceo Julian Momen said: “The review and subsequent proposal have been given the considerable time and care they warrant.  ​

“Our intention to outsource our secondary logistics to a specialist logistics provider in DHL Tradeteam is taken with a long-term view of the market to ensure a sustainable solution in terms of service and cost for our business and our customers.”​

‘Outsource our secondary logistics’​

The Carlsberg boss acknowledged the move would entail “significant change”​ for employees and pledged to support staff affected by the plan.

“In the longer term this transformation will build a sustainable business focused on our core offering, which is brewing premium quality beers and building brands,” ​he said.

In addition to delivering its own products, Carlsberg’s distribution operation also had contracts with the pub chains JD Wetherspoon and Punch Taverns.

Meanwhile, Carlsberg UK claimed about 12% of the UK beer market through brands including Carlsberg, Carlsberg Export, Grimbergen, Poretti, Tuborg, Tetley’s and Somersby Cider.

The brewer also held the UK licence for San Miguel and Mahou.