SIXTY-EIGHT jobs are to go in Bidford at the end of the month when the depot of a national parcel transportation firm closes down.

Geodis UK, formerly known as United Carriers, which has premises on the Waterloo Road Industrial Estate, will shut for the final time on January 31.

The business has blamed the closure on competitive pressures.

The 56 full-time workers and 12 part-time staff at the Bidford depot received the news on Tuesday morning giving them just three weeks to find new jobs.

Night warehouseman, Nick Ryan, who has worked for the company for two-and-a-half years, said he was not surprised by the news.

He said: "Rumours have been flying around for a long time but the night manager called me at 10am on Tuesday to say we would not be needed after January 31."

Jean-Marle Dutoya, managing director of Geodis UK, said: "We very much regret the site closure and subsequent job losses in Bidford and will be playing an active role in supporting our employees through this difficult period.

"Over the coming weeks, we will be talking to all affected employees at Bidford and giving them every assistance, where appropriate, in the search for alternative employment.

"As many employees as possible will be offered other positions within the Geodis group of companies. However, at this extremely challenging time, our thoughts and efforts are directed towards those affected employees and their families."

Company spokesman, Richard Postins, said the future of the company from a national perspective was unclear at the moment.

He said: "The majority of depots are closing but there are ongoing discussions to try to save a significant number."