Hallmark to axe up to 300 greeting card jobs

The Bradford-based company will outsource its manufacturing to other UK suppliers, the US and the Far East by the end of this year.

Trade union Unite has described the loss of jobs at the Dawson Lane site as “devastating” and is meeting with Hallmark management today (Friday).

Regional officer Chris Daly said: “This is a truly devastating blow, not only for the workers at Hallmark, but also for the wider community.

“The 300 jobs that will be lost because of Hallmark’s decision to outsource manufacturing will leave a huge hole in terms of employment and the loss of incomes of those affected.”

He added that the union was going to do all it could mitigate the impact of the cuts.

Hallmark said its international division will remain in Bradford, including its headquarters and design team based in Bingley Road, Heaton.

Its distribution will remain at Dawson Lane and the company will still use Bradford manufacturing suppliers.

The announcement comes days after Kodak announced the closure of its Howley Park Road factory in Morley next year, with 210 jobs axed.

The first job losses are expected this summer.