DS Smith confirmed a proposal to cease operations at the Launceston packaging site in Cornwall, according to the company. The proposal affects around 167 employees and follows a review of UK packaging operations amid tough trading conditions, DS Smith said. A final decision on the closure has not been announced, and the timeline for the ongoing consultation process remains unknown.
According to Daily Express, Adrian Parsons, a Liberal Democrat member of Cornwall Council, said staff at the factory are shocked and disappointed about the potential closure. Ben Maguire, Lib Dem MP for North Cornwall, told Daily Express that the Labour government's anti-business approach and tax rises have created a perfect storm for small and medium enterprises, and also noted that employees are anxious and uncertain about their futures and that Cornwall is not receiving regional growth investment. DS Smith previously made 70 staff redundant at its base in Louth, Scotland in 2024 and closed sites in Plymouth, Derbyshire, Newcastle, Sheerness and Wellingborough following consultations last year.
I'm hearing shock and disappointment from staff - they are worried about losing their jobs and about the future.
A government spokesperson said support is available for affected workers, though specific trading conditions impacting the industry and potential redeployment opportunities remain unclear.
My inbox is absolutely flooded with business owners sounding the alarm over hikes to National Insurance and the minimum wage, which, alongside the rising cost-of-living, have been a perfect storm for small to medium enterprises.
Employees at the Launceston site would be really anxious and uncertain.
Cornwall isn't getting a slice of regional growth investment.