Concern over 1,100 jobs in Beeston following Boots deal

Unions representing workers at the Boots site in Beeston say they are seeking “an urgent meeting” with Boots Contract Manufacturing bosses after Walgreen Boots Alliance announced it is to stop making health beauty products there.

The move comes the day after Walgreen Boots Alliance revealed it has entered into a ten-year agreement to sell the Boots Contract Manufacturing businesses to contract pharmaceutical company, Fareva.

Reports in the local press have suggested that Fareva will not stop production of beauty brands and private label products, but union bosses are worried.

Daniel Adams, Usdaw national officer says: “After being informed of the Company’s intentions to sell its contract manufacturing operation earlier today the hard-working and loyal staff are understandably concerned. This is an unsettling time for members as it is not clear at this point what the impact of the sale will be.

“Although the sale is still subject to regulatory approval, the Union has sought an urgent meeting with BCM in the UK and will be looking for reassurances about jobs, members’ terms and conditions as well as intended future plans.

“In the meantime Usdaw will continue to support our members at BCM throughout this unsettling time.”

Under the terms of the offer, Fareva will take ownership of BCM, which operates factories in the Beeston, France and Germany.

Fareva manufactures in 11 countries, including the USA, and has significant research and development capabilities.

The two firms said they hope the deal is completed by the end of 2017.