Nut loses deal to Malcolm
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• Cumbrian haulage giant Eddie Stobart has suffered another blow after losing a contract to Scottish rival WH Malcolm.
The contract covers work for United Glass from its factory and warehouse in Harlow, Essex, delivering beer bottles to brewers making wellknown brands including Budweiser and Fosters.
The loss of this contract means that about 40 of Stobart's warehouse and driving staff face either unemployment or switching to WH Malcolm under the Transfer of Undertakings Regulations (TUPE).
The drivers say they are angry over the lack of information from Stobart's and an "insulting" level of severance pay ofjust 250 per year of service.
One driver explains: "Our main gripes with Stobart's are a lack of information and a lack of recognition for our work." Another Stobart driver adds: "250 is an insult. Even if it was just a normal driving job it would be an insult, but we do unique work here. It's not as though they can just give it to any other driver."
A spokesman for United Glass explained the contract switch: "The glass industry is extremely competitive and responding to that we are looking for the most competitive deal from every supplier. WH Malcolm has worked with us for over a decade and are experts in the handling of glass packaging."
Jim Clarke, divisional managing director at WH Malcolm, confirms that the company is in discussions with drivers at the Harlow site.
Despite repeated attempts, nobody at Eddie Stobart was available for comment.