Staff at newspaper delivery firm Menzies Distribution in Ryde say they have been told their jobs are at risk of redundancy.
It’s claimed that more than 20 positions are now ‘at risk’, but Menzies has refused to comment on the matter.
Staff at the distribution depot on Nicholson Road are responsible for almost all of the daily newspaper deliveries across the Island, 364 days of the year.
One employee has told Island Echo:
“There is a huge opportunity for Menzies Distribution to diversify their revenue streams and save these jobs rather than put them ‘at risk’.
“There is capacity to provide next-day delivery for parcels throughout the United Kingdom and often vehicles are empty when they return from the Island, so I am unsure why HQ have chosen to lay off staff instead of diversifying”.
Responding to the claims, a spokesperson for Menzies has said:
“Menzies Distribution is committed to providing a route to market for newstrade products and in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the category. As part of this, we regularly review our operations.
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When asked whether or not the redundancies would result in the closure of the Isle of Wight depot, the spokesperson said:
“We have no intention of closing the depot in Ryde”.
It’s unknown at this time when the redundancies are likely to occur and how many jobs will be lost in total – if any.
I use to work there, it’s been on the cards for years including closing of the branch
newsprint media is going the same way as kodak did, when digital photography took over, which they did not take advantage of – one of histories largest corporate blunders.
if menzies wish to survive, they need to embrace the changes, accept that paper media is a dying business and get into next day deliveries.
I worked there too, many years ago as a self employed delivery contractor and have to say this was spoken about then.
Any firm based on the mainland with island depots that has to deal with the ferry issue with its attendant costs, is almost certainly thinking the same in this economy. Fixed link, or eventually die,
The isle of shyte is dying. It will become one big unruly dormitory for the unwanted and unsavoury.
Thankyou isle of wight council.
Never knew there was 20 jobs on the island.