Exel drivers fear Mirror job losses by Sally Nash •
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Exel drivers working for the Mirror Group are bracing themselves for largescale job losses when TNT Newsfast and Eddie Stobart take over the newspaper distribution work in July, as predicted by CM last week.
The move has sparked fear among Exel drivers, who say that, although the switch is expected to come within TUPE rules, job losses are inevitable in view of the different depot networks. Rumours are also circulating that the new contractors may be reluctant to take on Exel drivers with long service histories.
TNT Newsflow has already admitted that not all drivers will transfer when Exel's contract ends on 30 June. TNT depots will not be in the same location as Exel's, says the company, although it hopes that a "high proportion of the company's current contractors workforce will transfer to TNT". Nobody from Eddie Stobart was available for comment. The Transport & General Workers Union expects to get involved in discussions as it has many members in Exel and TNT. "What will be interesting is how the workers are handled and treated," says T&G national secretary Danny Bryan.
The Mirror Group says negotiations will take place over the coming weeks about the transfer. It is understood the work will be split about equally between TNT and Eddie Stobart—the two firms will be expected to work in partnership to manage more than 900 vehicle movements a week.
This is Eddie Stobart's first foray into newspaper distribution: it was chosen for its "proven track record and strong growth in other areas", says the Mirror Group.
Mirror Group deputy circulation director Phil Spittle adds: "The need for later news, particularly sport, combined with wholesale network rationalisation during the past 10 years, has created greater demands and new challenges for our transport contractors."