Clarks workers threatening strike action over fire and re-hire

Clarks shoes workers at a warehouse in Somerset are considering strike action over the company’s plans to fire them and then re-hire them on worse terms.

Clarks shoes workers at a warehouse in Somerset are considering strike action over the company’s plans to fire them and then re-hire them on worse terms.

Clarks is now majority-owned by Hong Kong-based private equity firm LionRock Capital rather than the Clarks family itself. Almost 110 of Clark’s 145 warehouse staff in Somerset are on contracts signed before LionRock’s takeover, which are more generous than those offered to recent hires.

Affected staff are reportedly being asked to accept a new contract which would reduce pay by around 15 per cent, along with three fewer days’ holiday, worse terms around sick leave, and eliminate 10-minute breaks and complimentary hot drinks.

The union representing those workers, Community, has said all options were being considered – including strike action – to fight the controversial fire and rehire move.

A Clarks spokesperson said: “Clarks is currently consulting with unions and employees at our Westway Distribution Centre in Street, Somerset on proposed changes to employment terms and conditions for all operatives. As we are in a period of consultation, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”

A poll conducted by the Unite union found 70% of the public want “fire and rehire” to be made illegal.

Read more

Latest News

Read More

The invisible intern: Why entry-level talent can’t get discovered

1 July 2025

Newsletter

Receive the latest HR news and strategic content

Please note, as per the GDPR Legislation, we need to ensure you are ‘Opted In’ to receive updates from ‘theHRDIRECTOR’. We will NEVER sell, rent, share or give away your data to third parties. We only use it to send information about our products and updates within the HR space To see our Privacy Policy – click here

Latest HR Jobs

University of Strathclyde – Professional Services – Human Resources DirectorateSalary: £59,139 to £66,537 This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where

University of Strathclyde – Professional Services (Continuous Improvement, Estates, Finance, HR) – Human Resources DirectorateSalary: £37,174 to £45,413 This provides summary information and comment on

You will lead HR Business Partnering, OD, and Learning & Development, and also oversee HR related managed services. You may already be an HR Director

HR Project Manager Job Title: HRProject Manager Location:North London Sector: Education ContractType: Permanent About the Role We havepartnered with an Educational establishment who are looking

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE