A NORTH Tawton based distribution company has announced 100 job losses across its nationwide operation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gregory Distribution, which has a workforce of 2,700, said difficulties faced by customers during the coronavirus outbreak had created a significant decrease in business in some areas of its operation.

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 employees for the future.’

Founded in 1919, Gregory Distribution now operates from 36 sites from Scotland to West Cornwall with over 1000 trucks, 2700 employees and an annual group turnover of in excess of £251-million.