More than 300 redundancies could be enforced at the chilled food manufacturer after the firm allegedly lost substantial business from supermarket, giant Tesco.
According to the GMB union, approximately 30 salaried employees and 280 weekly paid staff may lose their jobs because of the manufacturer’s loss of £32m worth of business with the supermarket chain.
The firm insists it will adjust shift patterns in an attempt to keep the cuts to below 100.
Alterations to shift patterns as a result of a growth in hummus demand, removing agency staff and placing fixed-term contractors in permanent positions has been suggested as a remedy to protect jobs.
The changes will affect workers employed at the organisation’s three Park Royal sites in Cumberland, Elveden and Premier Park.
GMB senior organiser, Tony Warr commented: “Bakkavor Meals, Park Royal, has advised the GMB of the loss of £32m worth of Tesco business equivalent to 16% of turnover.
“GMB believes it is wrong and totally unnecessary for the company to cut our members’ hours and pay. The company has sought to use the redundancy situation to consult on reductions, and in terms and conditions. This is a step too far and will be strongly resisted.”
In a statement, Bakkavor representatives said the firm had been affected by “difficult trading conditions”, adding: “Bakkavor Meals appreciates that this is an unsettling and difficult time for everyone affected and would like to stress that this proposal in no way reflects the commitment and hard work of the employees at the site.
“The company will work closely with the representatives to keep all staff appropriately updated throughout the consultation period.”
Discussions are expected to last 45 days.
