420 Jobs To Go As Polestar Purnell To Close

The Polestar Group has yesterday announced its proposal to implement a phased closure of Polestar Purnell, its gravure printing site based in Somerset (UK).

The Polestar Group has yesterday announced its proposal to implement a phased closure of Polestar Purnell, its gravure printing site based in Somerset (UK).

It will result in the loss of a total of 420 permanent jobs.

A 90-day consultation period with union representatives and employees will begin on June 13.

Polestar said that customers have been notified and arrangements will be made, where appropriate, to absorb work in to other Polestar sites.

Polestar Purnell managing director Alan Fraser said: "In spite of genuine efforts made by the management and staff over the last 12 months, the company has continued to trade unsatisfactorily for a number of years.

With high operating costs and additional competition from the gravure and web-offset markets, it is not viable to retain the business.

We will be working with the relevant parties to ensure that the consultation process is as constructive as possible for all employees." Opportunities for suitable alternative employment elsewhere in the Polestar Group are being explored, said the company.

Polestar Purnell produces magazines and newspaper supplements for a range of publishers.

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