Ashford, Kent, UK: Sysco company Brakes is planning to close its Thorpe and Coventry depots in response to the downturn in the hospitality sector caused by Covid-19.
Brake’s proposals include the relocation of two contact centres and the closure of its Thorpe and Coventry depots that have both been temporarily closed since April.
Brakes said it was anticipating a “reduced market and a lengthy recovery period”.
Hugo Mahoney, Brakes’ chief executive, said: “It is saddening and troubling times for the industry, and we need to be realistic about both the short and long- term impacts.
“The business has taken a number of steps to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, launching successful initiatives such as the Government care packages to the shielded vulnerable, supply to retail and convenience chains, and new direct to consumer services through call and collect, and click and deliver, and advances in the health and care sector. However, although demonstrating our agility and responsiveness to the national need, they are not a replacement for the business lost by the closure of the hospitality sector and the assumed recovery period.”
Brakes said that it has entered consultation with staff affected by the proposals and, until that process is concluded, it cannot discuss the specifics of any proposals.
Earlier this week, one of Bidfresh’s produce businesses, Oliver Kay, revealed that it is also restructuring, moving out of Bolton in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
