Marks & Spencer has confirmed plans to close a major distribution centre next year in a blow for hundreds of workers.
The retail giant said it will close its Thorncliffe distribution centre in Sheffield, in the summer of 2021.
It is understood that around 250 staff members are affected – all of whom have now entered a consultation period.
A further 330 workers are affected in Nottingham, with the chain also confirming plans to axe its Long Eaton Distribution Centre next year.
An M&S spokesperson said: “We’re in the early stages of changing our supply chain to address flow of product and availability for our customers.
“As part of this we’ll no longer be serving our stores from our Thorncliffe distribution centre.
“Moving the operations is not a decision we’ve taken lightly but it’s an important change to help us best serve our customers.
“Our logistics partner will be working closely with the colleagues at the site on what is best for them.”
The Thorncliffe warehouse is run by goods management company XPO Logistics which distributes stock for Marks & Spencer.
An XPO spokesperson said: “Following a review of their operations, our customer has decided to withdraw its operations from the M&S Thorncliffe warehouse.
“We have entered into a consultation period with colleagues, the trade union and elected employee representatives to finalise the plans.
“We will work to support employees through this time.”
