38 jobs could go at Wells & Young's

Up to 38 jobs could go at Bedford brewer Wells & Youngs under plans to outsource more of its distribution network.

Work done by the Bedford-based dray fleet and associated warehousing would be transferred to national distributor Kuehne + Nagel Drinks Logistics (KNDL), which currently handles most of Wells & Youngs' distribution.

The move would be completed in June, subject to a consultation and approval from the Boards at both companies.

Nigel McNally, managing director of Wells and Young's, said: "As a response to the changing beer market, we continue to examine all areas of the business to ensure that we remain as competitive as possible and look towards the long-term future of the company.

"The proposal to outsource to KNDL has been made following a review of our secondary distribution service, and follows the successful transfer of our London distribution fleet. If successful, the move will provide Wells and Young's with considerable associated benefits.

"We understand that this is an unsettling and worrying time, and we have given considerable thought to this proposal. We will do all that we reasonably can to minimise the impact and support those who are affected by this announcement.

"Wells and Young's is a brewery and brand-owner, and this is what we have been and will be focusing on for the future. KNDL is a leading drinks distributor, so can offer considerable benefits by sharing lorries with similar organisations."

Specialist drinks distributor KNDL employs 3,400 people and has 20 depots and four regional distribution centres.

Its 1,200 vehicles deliver around 6.5m barrels per year. Clients include Scottish & Newcastle UK and Britvic.