TNT Express to cut 130 jobs at UK fashion logistics arm
TNT Express is set to cut 130 jobs in its UK fashion logistics business, it announced last week. The company is planning to integrate its separate TNT Fashion Group UK with its main TNT Express Network over the months following March 2014.
The move come as part of a global cost-cutting and efficiency drive at the Netherlands-based shipping firm following its failed takeover by US integrator UPS last year.
The Dutch side of the fashion logistics business is being sold, but the company had been planning to keep the UK part of the business.
TNT Express said last week that its fashion customers in the UK would actually benefit from the integration into the main TNT network, with improvements to speed of service, responsiveness and range of delivery options available.
TNT said using its in-house hubs, depots and vehicles would mean suppliers can respond to customer demands and get products to market more quickly and easily.
It also means access to the TNT Express customer-facing technology.
“Long-term success”
Alistair Cochrane, managing director of TNT Express UK & Ireland, said: “Combining the greater resources and more expansive infrastructure offered by TNT Express with the industry specific expertise and services of TNT Fashion will bring direct benefits to the speed and quality of service for our customers, and therefore long-term success of both their business and ours.”
TNT Express said it was already consulting with trade unions about the integration, and was working “closely” with staff to support employees most affected by the changes, “including considering redeployment options where appropriate”.
Last month TNT Express revealed plans to cut 237 jobs from its main UK and Ireland business, with staff in data entry, administrative, supervisory and clerical roles affected from this month.
Since its global efficiency drive was announced in March 2013, TNT Express has also been restructuring its business in Italy and France, while selling off its domestic business in China and looking for a buyer for its business in Brazil.
