The Co-operative Group’s consolidation of its logistics operations in the South West at a new operating centre in Avonmouth will be completed by April, despite continuing concerns from union Unite.

The group’s food wing ceased operations at Chelston, Torbay earlier this month and the Co-op's Portbury, Bristol site will close on 6 April.

In a statement the retailer said operations at the Avonmouth depot commenced in October with the first inbound deliveries of ambient product. It added that 42 warehouse staff and 19 drivers had transferred over from Chelston.

Last June Unite accused the Co-Op of breaching an agreement not to contract out its logistics to third parties after it awarded the Avonmouth distribution work to Norbert Dentressangle (MT 18 June 2012).

However, Unite told Motortransport.co.uk that it had “managed to secure TUPE terms for as many members as possible”.

Unite national officer Adrian Jones added: “We are of course concerned about the uncertainty of employers outsourcing their distribution to third party logistics firms. Our experience has demonstrated that this rarely involves jobs being more secure and terms and conditions improving.

“We continue to press the Co-op to commit to in house distribution and will ensure that all Unite members are represented both in house and with 3pls.”

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