Leading UK food wholesaler, Brakes is set to make 70 staff redundant at its head office in Ashford, Kent due to a fall in trade during this pandemic. Further jobs will also be lost as the group's other site in the town is set to close.
In a statement, the company, which employs 6,325 people, said, 'The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the foodservice industry with the closure of most hospitality customers, some of whom have since announced administrations or permanent site closures.
'We are expecting a lengthy recovery period, and the industry is likely to be materially smaller as a result of the pandemic.
'In order that we can continue to succeed in the future and service new and different customer needs, we have reviewed our entire business and proposed a series of changes.
'We have been speaking to colleagues about these proposed changes, which if they progress will result in a number of redundancies at our sites in Ashford, Kent and across other areas of our business.'
Brakes continued, 'We have now entered a period of consultation with colleagues impacted by our proposals, and until that process is concluded we cannot discuss the specifics of any proposals.
'We understand this will be a very difficult time for all colleagues impacted by our proposals.
'We are committed to discussing the changes proposed with those impacted with honesty, humility and respect and are fully committed to supporting our colleagues through this difficult and uncertain time.'
Earlier this year, the company received a multi-million pound contract from the Government to deliver food boxes to vulnerable people during the pandemic.