The closure of a Kerry Foods facility in Burton, England, is a “calamity for the town”, UK trade noon Unite said.
Kerry made the announcement that it would close the plant, which could result in the loss of up to 900 jobs.
The Irish-based dairy group is closing the plant as a result of losing the contract to supply supermarket giant Tesco with ready-made meals.
It has been revealed that this was 90% of the company’s business.
No Alternatives
Unite acknowledged the company’s efforts to find alternative markets and customers before making the call.
But Unite regional officer Rick Coyle mourned the loss of the town’s biggest employer.
“The problem going forward is that there are not that many well-paid jobs in Burton and the vicinity to replace those that will be lost at the end of August,” he said.
Unite revealed that it was in touch with Molson Coors to explore employment opportunities there.
The trade union said that it would be meeting with the management on Friday (28 June) to discuss an enhanced redundancy package for its members.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
