Food group confirms up to 80 jobs at risk in restructuring

A traditional family-run food firm which is close to celebrating its centenary has warned up to 80 jobs are at risk of redundancy

Wrights Food Group in Crewe has started a 30-day consultation process with staff after admitting it has been impacted by the massive disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The firm, which was founded in 1926, was making more than 3.5 million savoury products a week before COVID-19 struck.

Only last November it marked a one-year £7m investment programme at its manufacturing sites.

However, today, chairman Peter Wright said: “The impact that COVID-19 is having on some areas of our business, particularly the airline catering and hospitality markets, has seen a severe downturn since the beginning of the pandemic, and even with the gradual easing of lockdown, trading conditions in these areas are challenging and the future remains uncertain for many businesses within these sectors.

“Some of our customers have either closed or continue to operate at a much-reduced capacity.

“Considering these challenging market conditions, our business – as many others – has learned to adapt, and while utilising the Government job retention scheme has helped to some degree, it has become clear that we must take further action and have regretfully concluded that a restructure is necessary to support the business moving forward.”

He added: “Within this restructure, up to 80 job roles in our savoury bakery and confectionery factories at Crewe may be placed at risk of redundancy.

“We are in a period of consultation with all affected employees which will take place over the next 30 days during which time we will be looking at all measures which may assist in avoiding compulsory redundancies.”

Mr Wright said: “As a family business which places such an important focus on our employees, this is an extremely difficult situation to have to confront.

“After 94 years in business, we have never experienced such unprecedented times.

“Our decision to consider restructuring has not been taken lightly and we are committed to finding the best solution for our employees and we will continue to work closely with the sector to ensure we are able to rebuild as the aviation and hospitality markets recover.”

Last year the business revealed that it had grown its workforce by 10% to 650 people, thanks in part to the success of its Urban Bistro division, which supplies fresh food for vending machines in offices, factories and venues across the UK.

It was planning to double the size of its offer to more than 600 locations this year.