Unite support for members in ‘grim times’ plant closure
Over 430 jobs under threat at Bakkavor foods
Reading time: 3 min
Unite is today meeting management to ask for the business rationale for the 433 job cuts at one the four sites at the Spalding plant which produces ready-made food, such as wraps and soups – the international company is claiming a downturn in business over the last year which was then exacerbated by Covid-19.
“This news is a bitter pill for the workers and their families, as well as for the wider Lincolnshire economy – our members face a period of deep uncertainty and worry as to how they will put food on the table for their families and pay their bills,” commented Unite regional officer Mick Orpin.
“As we start the 45 days consultation process today, we are going to ask to see – and also challenge – the management’s business rationale behind this decision as we are not convinced by its argument.
“We want to explore if Covid-19 is a being cynically used as an excuse for job cuts by a powerful international corporate,” Orpin added.
“While some of the workforce have been furloughed and others have continued working, we believe that the company could have made much better use of the government’s job retention scheme (JRS) which was put in place precisely to retain as many jobs as possible.
“Unite is committed to supporting our members to the maximum during this grim time.”
By Shaun Noble
