After a lengthy consultation period, discussions between Cromer District Council and senior members of staff at the food manufacturer are still looking relatively grim, with limited options for those who are threatened with redundancy.
Workers at the site in Cromer, Norfolk have been given priority for jobs that will open at existing sites in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, as the site is being expanded. It is doubted that workers will make the move, however, and will seek employment where they are based.
The website Foodmanufacturer.co.uk reported that demand for warm water prawns had fallen over recent years, and this was one of the main reasons that production was being moved to Grimsby.
Tom Fitzpatrick, portfolio member for business enterprise and economic development on Norfolks District Council praised the way in which employees had continued to work and meet demand over the holiday period.
He told Foodmanufacturer.co.uk: “Young’s has been very open in the consultation. The whole problem is not that the crab market has collapsed, it’s more that demand for the warm water prawns has fallen off in the past few years.”
TM previously reported on Cumbrian Seafood’s (the parent of Young’s) decision to downsize and relocate their operations – find the story here.