GREGORY Distribution Limited, which has its head office at North Tawton, has announced 100 job losses as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The business says that difficulties faced by customers have created a significant decrease in business in some areas of its operation, resulting in the announcement of the job losses from its 2,700 people workforce.

Managing Director, Angela Butler, said: “During this unprecedented period of lockdown the majority of the Gregory Distribution business has remained busy although there are some areas which have seen significant reductions in the volume of work.

“Thankfully the majority of the areas which have been adversely affected are expected to recover fully. However, some areas will remain significantly impacted throughout the lockdown and then beyond due to the impact of Covid-19 on the wider economy.

“Unfortunately, it has been necessary to review staff levels within the areas of the business that have declined as a result of difficulties faced by our customers but we have worked very hard to limit the impact on our people and we are now looking at the possibility of up to 100 redundancies spread across a number of locations.

“This has been a very difficult decision and we will endeavour to keep job losses to a minimum, reassigning people where possible and giving them every assistance to find a new job.

“We value all of our people who have been exceptionally loyal and committed. We very much regret the need for any redundancies, but this unprecedented situation has made it necessary to maintain the health of the company and to protect its remaining 2,700 employees for the future.”

Founded in 1919, Gregory Distribution is a privately-owned distribution business.

It provides transport and logistics services in many sectors of the market and lists many national brand names amongst its customers. 

The group now operates from 36 sites from Scotland to West Cornwall with more than 1,000 trucks and an annual group turnover of in excess of £251 million.