Fashion and home furnishings retailer Next has revealed plans to close its warehouse in Bradford.

The closure of the Toftshaw Lane facility is expected to take place in around nine months, between the beginning of August and end of September 2024, and is expected to impact 780 jobs.

Next said that it “anticipates” it will have sufficient vacancies to accommodate staff wishing to relocate to other sites, although added that it also “recognises some employees will be unable to relocate and their role may become redundant”.

The retailer said it would help impacted staff find roles outside the business, adding that the location would require significant investment to replace its roof, which would lead to major disruption and closure of the site for an extended period of time.

The move to consolidate the operations will enhance service to customers by improving its stock availability while also eliminating vehicle journeys required to transfer stock between Toftshaw Lane and Elmsall, which in turn will reduce environmental impact and costs.

Retail and distribution trade union Usdaw is to enter into consultation talks with Next over the future of their Bradford warehouse.

Mark Todd – Usdaw National Officer, said: “Next management have briefed staff about their proposed closure of the Bradford site and development of a new operation at South Elmsall. Myself and Usdaw reps will now enter into a meaningful consultation talks, where we will have the opportunity to look at the company’s business case.

“Our priorities are to secure the best available deal for those impacted by these proposals and keep as many staff as possible employed within the business and where necessary support members securing alternative employment. In the meantime, we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this difficult time.”