Thwaites cuts jobs after contract packaging blow

LANCASHIRE brewer Daniel Thwaites has announced plans to cut 27 jobs at its Blackburn base.

The company plans to restructure its brewery, packaging and engineering operations, and plans to reduce staffing levels from 83 to 58.

The proposed restructure will see Thwaites move from a three and two shift operation to a single, extended 12 hour shift.  The move is in response to the loss of a number of packaging contracts and increased customer pressure to cut costs.

The restructure will see Thwaites exiting contract packaging, aside from a small number of legacy agreements which will run the course of their contract.

It also wants to “redefine the roles” of customer admin and reception staff , with a reduction of two jobs from a team of six.

Thwaites has said it hopes to minimise job losses through redeployment and a voluntary redundancy programme.

Steve Magnall, managing director of Thwaites Beer Co, said: “It’s obviously a very difficult and upsetting time but this is very much about getting us fit for the future and having the right size and scope of team for the new brewery which will be a significant milestone in the history of our strong and successful company.”

At the same time the company has reviewed its pension provision in the light of current market conditions and is consulting with employees regarding changes to these.  

Chief executive Rick Bailey said:  “These are incredibly tough times for all businesses and most companies in our sector and elsewhere are focusing on ways that they can save costs and work more efficiently, unfortunately this also includes considering  job losses, which is the hardest decision to make.

“It is imperative that we continue to adapt our business to reflect changes in the market and remain competitive whilst not compromising on the quality of the beers that we brew for our customers.”