Up to 900 jobs to go as Young’s Seafood plans to shut two factories

WORKERS at Young’s Seafood factories in Grimsby will be unaffected by the loss of two major Sainsbury’s contracts, but up to 900 jobs will be lost in Scotland.

Last month, Young’s lost the smoked salmon and fresh salmon processing contracts for the supermarket group, with the work to come to an end in November.

It has now started consultation with its staff about its plans to close its sites in Fraserburgh and Spey Valley. Young’s expects the closure would result in 900 job losses, although 200 jobs would be created or transferred to sites in Grimsby, Livingston and Annan, which will take on the other contracts currently being fulfilled at the under-threat factories.

Pete Ward, chief executive of Young’s Seafood, said: “This process will not be easy, but we have to face some tough decisions and we believe the proposals, outlined today, could deliver a significantly more sustainable manufacturing footprint than other potential consolidation options.”

 

In a statement, the company added: “The transfer of the Sainsbury’s business will leave the Fraserburgh and Spey Valley sites significantly under-utilized.

“Young’s Seafood Limited believes that this proposal delivers a significantly more sustainable manufacturing footprint than other potential consolidation options. For example, consolidating volumes into Grimsby will allow Young’s Seafood Limited to better utilize its existing central resources and capabilities, which are located in the town.”