Halfords offers new job hope to former ATS Euromaster staff in Bishop’s Stortford
Halfords has pledged to offer interviews to former ATS Euromaster staff, following closure of the Bishop’s Stortford branch.
The Dunmow Road outlet, which offers tyre fitting, MoT tests, car servicing and brake replacement, has shut permanently as part of a cull of 86 service centres nationwide by the Michelin-owned company.
ATS is scaling back its network of more than 235 branches alongside plans to ramp up its mobile operations.
A spokesperson said: “In a UK automotive aftermarket context of overcapacity, increasing costs and sluggish activity and growth, ATS Euromaster intends to review its current operating model and has put in place a proposal to close some non-profitable service centres. This decision will not impact the high quality of services that we offer to our customers.
“We intend that it enables us to concentrate our efforts on strategic levels for sustainable development, including services around ATS mobile capabilities and the shaping of a franchise model already successfully developed in several countries.”
ATS has also closed Hertfordshire branches at Hemel Hempstead and Welwyn Garden City.
Leon Deehy, divisional director for Halfords, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with ATS to explore employment opportunities for affected colleagues, while also ensuring that motorists in these parts of Hertfordshire continue to have access to competitive, convenient and trusted automotive services.”
Halfords, which has 639 branches, said the business would prioritise MoTs and other bookings originally made with ATS.
The company operates at the Stort Valley Industrial Estate, off Stansted Road, and from National in South Street, close to Kwik Fit.
Bishop’s Stortford Tyres announced this week that it has launched at Twyford Business Centre, off London Road.
The UK is experiencing a shortage of qualified automotive technicians, with the Institute of the Motor Industry estimating 20,000 vacancies in the sector.
