Yodel has confirmed the schedule of its service centre closure programme, as it enters the final phase of the merger of the Home Delivery Network and DHL Domestic UK businesses.

According to an internal letter seen by MT, the parcels giant has been transferring volumes across from Cardiff (the first site set to close) to Nantgarw since Friday 10 February, with Cardiff due to shutdown on Friday 17 February, a move which the company has confirmed.

The rest of the closures will continue with Eastleigh business and neighbourhood (B&N) service centre and the Isle of Wight Home service centre closing on 9 March, and finishing with seven sites, including Hull Home, Leeds B&N and Preston B&N on 8 June.

A total of 49 sites have been earmarked for closure, with staff at Isle of Wight Home, Aberystwyth B&N, Oban Home and Inverness Home due to TUPE across to a third party subject to contract.

The Hatfield-based company had originally aimed to be operating one national service network by the end of the first quarter, however, Yodel confirmed to MT last month that there had been a slight delay to the schedule to allow for extended software testing to take place, which has now been successfully completed.

A Yodel spokesman says: "We extended the original restructure plan to ensure operational efficiency and service and we are still on track to complete the process this summer. We have always planned a phased approach to the integration of the two networks and will review the remainder of the programme after each closure to ensure a smooth transition."

By Hayley Pink

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