Forty jobs go in Smiths depot move

Smiths News has made 40 redundancies at its depots in Coventry and Redditch.

The newspaper and magazine wholesaler launched a consultation on the job losses before Christmas ahead of the opening of a new distribution centre in Birmingham and closure of three existing depots.

Smiths News had expected to make 50 redundancies but only made 40. “We are pleased we have been able to minimise job losses and redeploy staff,” a spokeswoman said. “All warehouse operatives who expressed an interest in a role have been allocated their first preference.”

The Birmingham depot is on track to open in March and the wholesaler expects to take possession of the site next week. It will serve 2,000 retailers and distribute around 2.2 million newspaper and 1.1 million magazines a week.

Meanwhile, the wholesaler has teamed up with publishers to launch a home delivery initiative for independents. It will offer an eight-week half-price promotion on selected newspapers and magazines, allowing retailers to target homes and businesses in their catchment areas.