Bakkavor’s facility closure plan likely to impact around 500 jobs

UK-based private-label prepared foods manufacturer Bakkavor is reportedly planning to close one of its salad factories in Spalding.

The company said that the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a bad start as a result of which it plans to consolidate work across their four factories at West Marsh Road.

It added that it is currently reviewing and reducing functional support roles. The decision is expected to affect 500 employees in the region.

Bakkavor in a statement said: “We can confirm that we are entering into several consultations with employees at our Spalding site where we have two salads factories, two meals factories and a distribution centre.

“Over the past 12 months, the salads businesses at Spalding (Factory 1 and the Deli) have come under increasing pressure due to the impact of a business loss at the beginning of 2020 and more recently the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.

“As a result, we have had to make some difficult decisions to ensure we can continue to remain sustainable in what remains a particularly difficult trading environment.”

British and Irish trade union body Unite said that the Bakkavor’s decision to reduce its workforce at its food manufacturing plant at Spalding, which produces ready-made food such as wraps and soups, is ‘a bitter pill’ for the workforce.

The union further added that it will be meeting with Bakkavor to discuss the business rationale for the 433 job cuts at one of the four sites at the Spalding plant.

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.”

Last October, Bakkavor announced plans to cut jobs at its salad facility in Spalding of England.

Its Bakkavor Salads unit has entered a 45-day consultation period with 250 employees at its facility in Spalding.