Dr Martens give 1,000 UK workers the boot
Footwear firm Dr Martens is closing its British factories and moving production to China, with the loss of more than 1,000 jobs.
The jobs will go at the firm’s factories in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Somerset, the company confirmed.
The firm has announced a 90-day consultation process with its staff, a legal requirement, before any job losses.
But it has already confirmed that the jobs will go.
David Suddens, managing director of the firm’s family-owned parent company, R Griggs Ltd, said he regretted the "proposed closures".
Staff were today said to be stunned.
The firm’s union, the Knitwear and Foot Apparel Trade Union is opposed to the move.
The Doc Martens footwear brand, with its air-cushion soles, has become a fashion staple since production began in Northampton in 1960.
The boots have been worn by everyone from Madonna to skinheads to Pope John Paul II, who ordered customised white boots.
Production is being moved out of the UK because the boots are cheaper to make in China. The firm says all its competitors “outsourced” years ago.
Despite selling five million pairs of boots each year the company lost about £20m (€32m) last year.
Mr Suddens said; “We regret very much the loss of jobs resulting from these proposed closures, but we will make every effort to help staff find alternative employment.
“Dr Martens will remain a brand true to its heritage and deliver footwear of the highest quality.”
The famous “bovver” boot began life in Germany.
It was the brainchild of Klaus Maertens, a German soldier who hurt his foot during the Second World War and thought the remedy to pain when he walked would be an air-cushioned sole.
Bill Griggs, a chairman of English shoe-maker R Griggs and Co, acquired the world-wide rights and began production in Northamptonshire in 1960.
The original black and red boots became increasingly popular in the 1970s and 1980s but sales have since dwindled.
The company has tried manufacturing more fashionable and alternative styles, with about 1,000 variations.
The boots, acclaimed by clothes designers as an iconic fashion item, now come with designs including Union Jacks.
