Jobs under threat at car dealership as 'consultation period' begins at Evans Halshaw Vauxhall sites

Evans Halshaw’s Vauxhall dealership in Peterlee won the firm’s Customer Excellence award in 2018 and was named the number one dealership within the market area for 2017.

But now the firm has confirmed a consultation is underway with staff following an agreed closure of a “small number” of Evans Halshaw Vauxhall sites.

A spokesperson for parent group Pendragon confirmed in a statement that “affected team members” are being spoken to about the future.

They said: “Following proposals by Vauxhall to revise its future distribution strategy, Pendragon has agreed to the closure of a small number of Evans Halshaw Vauxhall sites, predominantly in satellite locations.

“Pendragon has now entered a period of consultation with affected team members, and we will work with them to identify possible alternative roles across the Pendragon Group.”

One member of staff, who did not wish to be named, said everyone at the outlet – around 30 people – was affected by the company’s announcement.

He said: “Some of the workshop lads have been here for 28 years. Before Evans Halshaw they worked for Reg Vardy – the site has been here for a long time.

“Peugeot Citreon came in two years ago – they bought the Vauxhall brand off General Motors and they have now decided there are too many Vauxhall dealerships in the UK, and especially in the North East.

“We came into work on Wednesday then we were called upstairs and told ‘you have got 30 days’ consultation, then off you go.’

The staff member also said that the mood in the dealership was “grim” following the announcement – with one new starter, who had only worked there for three days, also affected.

He added: “It is just after Christmas – it is the longest month of the year because you get paid early in December.

“Now we’ve got to carry on trying to sell cars knowing we will be out of a job in 30 days.”

There are also Evans Halshaw Vauxhall dealerships in Bedlington and Cramlington.