Food manufacturer’s site closure plans put 900 jobs in jeopardy

One of the UK’s largest food producers is planning to close two of its sites in the East Midlands, putting 900 jobs in danger.

Bakkavor says it is likely to call time on its manufacturing facilities in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire and Leicester to protect the business from the impact of rising inflation and consumer headwinds it expects to persist into next year.

In a statement, the firm described the decision as “difficult but necessary” and said it had been forced to make the move in order to safeguard its “sustainable, long-term future.”

The company said it would carry out a 45-day consultation with affected staff and insisted it would offer employees comparable roles at other Bakkavor sites or help them to find alternative employment.

Bakkavor CEO Mike Edwards said: “As with businesses all over the UK, we are having to take decisive action to adapt to the challenging macro-economic backdrop. The decision to close any site is never taken lightly, and we do not underestimate the impact of this announcement on our colleagues and the local communities within which we operate. We remain committed to both protecting our business and doing everything we can to support our people through this difficult time.”

Bakkavor is a global leader in the fresh prepared food industry. It creates meals, soups, dips, salads, desserts, pizzas and breads for customers in the UK, US and China.

In July last year the firm said it was planning to create 936 jobs across a number of its sites in Nottingham, Leicester and Lincolnshire.