FedEx plans to shut down its Dartford site, putting 150 jobs at risk in a controversial move to centralise operations. This move has sparked outrage from unions and the local MP.

FedEx, the world’s biggest international courier company, has sent shockwaves through Dartford by announcing plans that could see its Central Road depot shuttered—placing around 150 local jobs on the chopping block.

The proposed closure forms part of the company’s sweeping restructure across the UK, as it seeks to consolidate several smaller operations into two central hubs in Bedfordshire and Warwickshire. While FedEx insists that no formal job losses have yet been confirmed, alarm bells are ringing for employees, unions, and community leaders.

Unite the union has blasted the move as “inexcusable,” accusing the profitable logistics giant of chasing shareholder gains at the expense of working-class livelihoods. Sharon Graham, the union’s general secretary, didn’t mince words: “FedEx UK is a profitable company, and their US parent makes billions. There’s no excuse for cutting hundreds of jobs simply to maximise profits. They’ve given no real thought to the devastating consequences this will have on workers, their families and entire communities.”

Though the company has committed to consulting with staff and union reps, there’s little comfort in that promise for those bracing for pink slips. Many employees fear they won’t be able to uproot their lives to follow jobs hundreds of miles away. Unite argues that relocating to Bedfordshire or Warwickshire is not viable for most of its members, and as such, the vast majority of affected workers could be left jobless.

The Dartford site isn’t the only one under threat. In total, over 500 jobs could disappear across the UK, with significant layoffs anticipated in Staffordshire, and closures eyed at three additional sites in Bedford and Warwickshire.

FedEx claims these changes will streamline its delivery network, improve efficiency and modernise its UK operations. But on the ground in Dartford, where workers now face an uncertain future, that corporate speak rings hollow.

Local MP Jim Dickson, Labour representative for Dartford, expressed deep concern over the potential fallout for his constituents. “This decision, if it goes ahead, will devastate families and batter our local economy,” he said. “I’ve already begun working with Unite to press FedEx for clarity and fight for alternatives that could keep operations—and jobs—right here in Dartford.”

The MP’s intervention underscores growing pressure on FedEx to reconsider its plans or at least guarantee better protections for employees caught in the crossfire. While the company hasn’t ruled out job transfers, the reality of long commutes or outright relocation has left many feeling abandoned.

With consultations expected to stretch out over the coming months and the changes potentially not taking effect for up to two years, employees remain in limbo. But as fear and frustration simmer in the warehouses and offices of Central Road, one thing is clear: for the people of Dartford, this is more than a business decision—it’s a battle for their livelihoods.

Unite has called for immediate and transparent talks with FedEx, warning that failure to act with compassion and foresight will turn communities like Dartford into collateral damage in the company’s pursuit of profit.