Jobs at risk as Boots-linked firm eyes closures

Almost 500 jobs are at risk after a company with links to Boots said it was looking to close two sites and cut back at a third.

Alliance Healthcare wants to shut a warehouse at the Boots site in Nottingham and another in Hinckley, Leicestershire, as well as shedding positions at South Normanton in Derbyshire.

The company, which was sold by Walgreens Boots Alliance in 2021, said the decision "had not been made lightly".

Trade union Usdaw said it was "devastating news" and it would be questioning the business case for the cuts.

A spokesperson from Alliance Healthcare said it was opening a new Central Logistics Centre (CLC) in Birmingham.

They said: "As part of a continued focus on aligning its capabilities with customers' evolving needs, Alliance Healthcare UK plans to close its service centres in Hinckley and Nottingham and transition slow moving medical lines from South Normanton to the CLC in 2026.

"This decision was not made lightly. The company greatly appreciates the contributions of the impacted team members and is committed to providing support to individuals impacted by these changes."

Usdaw said of the 490 jobs at risk, 150 were at the Nottingham site.

Its national officer, Darren Matthews, said: "This is devastating news for the staff impacted and we will now enter into a consultation process, where we will question their business case for these proposals.

"We expect the consultation to start as a matter of urgency.

"In the meantime, we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this very difficult time."

Usdaw said the sites were due to close by the summer of 2026.

Just days ago US-based Walgreens Boots Alliance confirmed it was being taken over in a $10bn (£7.8bn) deal.

The company has struggled with growing debt and shoppers going online for cheaper products.

In 2022, Walgreens put Boots up for sale but later dropped these plans, saying potential buyers had been unable to raise enough funds.

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