Cadbury shareholders prepare for crucial vote

AS CADBURY shareholders prepare to vote tomorrow on a revised offer from Kraft, union officials say they remain ‘deeply concerned’ over jobs at the Birmingham-based chocolate maker.

Officials of the Unite union accused Kraft of increasing insecurity among the workforce in both the UK and US by remaining ‘silent’ on its plans.

Kraft should make its intentions clear, said the union, warning that workers were “extremely worried” for the future.

Unite’s Jennie Formby said: “Our workers at Cadbury are extremely worried that what was a bright future for them will be dimmer under Kraft, and our UK Kraft members are also anxious to learn what their future holds.

“With the purchase of Cadbury sure to be completed in the next 24 hours, Kraft can no longer hide behind the secrecy of UK takeover rules. They must come clean on their plans because workers are being left to dread the worst.

“There are only so many savings Kraft can make through synergies in functions like administration. When it is hungry for savings and has the stock market baying for good returns, where will Kraft turn next?”