Almost 160 jobs at risk at Stockport McVitie's factory
The company which owns the site is looking to cut around a third of the workforce
159 jobs are at risk at Stockport's McVities factory, after parent company pladis announced plans to 'restructure' its workforce.
There are currently 470 working at the side. pladis says it has to make the change to deal with the pressure of rising energy costs, inflation and disruption to supply chain.
The company says the factory is 'no longer sustainable' in its current form.
Nina Sparks, Vice President of Supply Chain pladis UK & Ireland said: “We understand this news will be very difficult for those in Manchester.
"Our Manchester factory remains an important part of our UK business and our priority now is to provide our colleagues with clear guidance and the right support as we start the proposed consultation process.
“pladis is the proud custodian of some of the world’s best-loved snacking brands and we believe strongly in their enduring consumer appeal.
"But, like many other businesses, we are grappling with new and growing external pressures. We must, therefore, review and consider appropriate steps to safeguard the future of our whole business.”
Union USDAW says it will now be holding talks with the company and staff in a bid to avoid redundancies.
Dave Gill, USDAW National Officer said: “This is devastating news for our members, many of whom have given long service to the company and all worked throughout the pandemic when food manufacturing was identified as an essential service.
“We will now enter into meaningful consultation talks with the company, where we will interrogate their business case for these proposed job losses. Our priorities are to keep as many staff employed within the business as possible and avoid compulsory redundancies.
“In the meantime we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this difficult time.”