Highland MP calls for meeting over 'worrying' news for staff as Menzies Parcels faces closure
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MP Drew Hendry aims to hold a meeting with Menzies Parcels bosses amid reports that almost 300 workers could lose their jobs when the firm ceases trading next month.
Staff were informed by management this week that the business will be shutting down at the end of February, it is understood.
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A letter sent to employees by the north of Scotland-based firm said that the business had incurred significant losses over the last two years and that it was no longer sustainable in its current form.
The letter also stated that the last day of business for the company would be February 29, 2024.
It is understood that around 270 workers will be affected by the closure of 15 depots across Scotland, including its sites in Inverness, Elgin and Dingwall.
The letter to staff reads: “The business has been incurring significant losses over the last two years and, having exhausted all other options, has come to the disappointing conclusion that it is no longer sustainable in its current form.
“Therefore, working with our employees and customers, we regret that the last day of business for Parcels Scotland will be February 29, 2024.”
Inverness, Nairn, Strathspey and Badenoch representative Mr Hendry plans to hold an "urgent meeting" with the firm to discuss support for workers.
He said: "If the information in the letter shown to me turns out to be accurate, then this is worrying news for the local people employed at Menzies Parcels and their families, especially at a time when people are already struggling to make ends meet.
"It also has possible implications for the ongoing struggle for fairness on Highland delivery charges as this potentially reduces competition. I am keen to have an urgent meeting with management at Menzies parcels who will be doing all they can to support their workers.
"I have reached out to offer my support and to see what can be done to help those affected."
Menzies Parcels, a division of Menzies Distribution Group, was established in 2018 with the aim of providing "hassle-free courier services" to the Scottish Highlands, islands, Grampians and Argyll.
A spokeserson for Menzies Distribution said: "Menzies Distribution continues to operate as normal with ongoing Group presence across Scotland. We are constantly reviewing all our commercial arrangements and evaluating strategy, and as such, have decided to exit some contracts. We are supporting individual depots where there may be any impact, and we will look to redeploy where we can to avoid job losses."
