280 roles could go as iconic Somerset brand is closed down
Hundreds of jobs are at risk in Midsomer Norton after the owner of Dickies workwear confirmed it plans to close the business.
Bosses at its American parent company say they're consulting with 280 Somerset staff and all roles could go by March next year.
In a statement they say they understand the closure of the UK HQ will have a big impact as it was a 'significant employer in the area'.
The statement said: "VF has announced yesterday a proposal to discontinue and wind up its EMEA Dickies Workwear business. This might affect employees based in the Williamson-Dickie EMEA HQ at Midsomer Norton.
"Sadly, the proposal means that all roles at that site are at risk of redundancy, so this will now be the subject of consultation with employees.
"We will do everything we can to fully support our colleagues through the consultation period and beyond, and will treat them fairly and with respect.
"We appreciate that Dickies Workwear is a significant employer in Midsomer Norton and the decision to put forward this proposal was not taken lightly.
"It follows a thorough review of the Dickies Workwear business in EMEA, which concluded the current business model is not in line with financial performance expectations.
"If the proposals are adopted, we intend to complete the full business closure in the UK by the 31st of March 2021."
Williamson-Dickie Europe Ltd is a company based in the UK with its Head Office and Distribution Centre located at Midsomer Norton.
Originally called Clares, the business was founded in 1900 in Wells, Somerset, to provide the very large and thriving agricultural industry with hardware and work clothing.
In the 1980’s the business was acquired by Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing based on Texas bringing the Dickies global brand to the business, before its acquisition by VF Corporation in 2017.