More than 150 jobs at risk at McVities Manchester factory as part of restructure

Around 159 workers at McVities factory in Manchester could be out of a job as part of restructure proposed by owner Pladis.

The biscuit and snacks manufacturer proposals, which are subject to a “full and meaningful consultation with employees,” follows challenges within the sector, the company said.

This includes rising inflation, increasing energy costs and supply chain disruption which are “pushing up production costs, at a time when the business faces a change in consumer demand.”

The move would put 159 roles at risk of redundancy out of 470 roles.

Union Usdaw will now enter into consultation talks with the company following the news.

Dave Gill, Usdaw National Officer, said: “This is devastating news for our members, many of whom have given long service to the company and all worked throughout the pandemic when food manufacturing was identified as an essential service.

“We will now enter into meaningful consultation talks with the company, where we will interrogate their business case for these proposed job losses. Our priorities are to keep as many staff employed within the business as possible and avoid compulsory redundancies.

“In the meantime we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this difficult time.”

Pladis said Manchester remains a “critical part” of its operations in the UK but it added the factory’s operating model “is no longer sustainable and must be addressed as part of the proposed changes.”

Nina Sparks, Vice President of Supply Chain pladis UK & Ireland said: “We understand this news will be very difficult for those in Manchester.

“Our Manchester factory remains an important part of our UK business and our priority now is to provide our colleagues with clear guidance and the right support as we start the proposed consultation process.

“pladis is the proud custodian of some of the world’s best-loved snacking brands and we believe strongly in their enduring consumer appeal. But, like many other businesses, we are grappling with new and growing external pressures.

“We must, therefore, review and consider appropriate steps to safeguard the future of our whole business.”