Fears for up to 80 workers at DHL

The company began a consultation process on Monday to determine the level of redundancies to be made at the Westfield warehouse.

Bosses have told staff the losses will be spread across the four shift pattern which operates at the distribution centre, meaning 20 from each group could be shown the door.

One worker, who asked not to be named, is disgusted with the announcement.

They said: "All the work we do is on a contract for Marks & Spencer and they've just announced they're giving staff big pay-outs because they're doing so well. Then, at the other end, we get letters saying 80 of us are going to be out of a job. It's a really terrible situation to be put in."

Denis Hackett, manager of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Unemployed Workers Centre, says more redundancies is the last thing the area needs.

"Just when you think things are beginning to get back on their feet you get this news," he said. "Anything like this is an absolute catastrophe, there's no prospects for people who find themselves out of work now. It really is a devastating and gut wrenching experience for all involved.

"DHL are a major employer in the area which makes it worse. Just because they've said 80 are at risk doesn't necessarily mean there are going to be 80 redundancies, there could be half of that or two-thirds, but there will no doubt be a large portion of that made."

According to section 118 (18) of the Trade Union and Labourer Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, if a company is proposing job losses of less than 100, as in this case, a minimum of 30 days must pass between the beginning of the consultation period and the first redundancy being made.

At time of going to press, DHL were unavailable for comment.

Denis Hackett urges anyone affected to contact the Unemployed Workers Centre for advice on 01236 729520.