The news that more than 430 jobs are under threat at the Bakkavor food manufacturing plant at Spalding, Lincolnshire is ‘a bitter pill’ for the workforce, Unite, Britain and Ireland’s largest union, said today (Tuesday 9 June).

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 Covd-19.

Unite regional officer Mick Orpin said: “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.

“As we start the 45 days consultation process today (Tuesday 9 June), 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.

“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.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more information please contact Unite senior communications officer Shaun Noble on 020 3371 2060 or 07768 693940. Unite press office is on:  020 3371 2065.

Please note the numbers above are for journalists’ enquiries only.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Web: unitetheunion.org 

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.