Food business faces damages over 230 jobs cuts

LEEDS-BASED Danish food giant Arla is facing claims for damages over its alleged “failure to consult” on 230 job losses at a milk plant down south.

Union Unite has launched legal proceedings against Arla, claiming that Arla failed to properly consult the Essex-based workforce, after announcing the job cuts in March.

Unite said that the management decision to close was made in January and February, and is taking legal action on behalf of its 75 members at Hatfield Peverel, claiming the company failed to inform and consult on collective redundancies.

Unite regional officer Mark Barter said: “Our claim is that Unite was effectively only consulted on the consequences of the decision to close the site after the decision had already been made.

“There was no consultation on ways to avoid the dismissals and/or reduce the number of dismissals in good time prior to the decision actually being made, as required, or at all.

“We are taking this action as Unite strongly objects to companies making redundancies without entering into a genuine consultation process with the respective trade unions.”

A spokesperson for Arla said: “Arla is surprised by the statement that has been issued by Unite Union (Thursday 2 June) in relation to the proposed closure of our Hatfield Peverel fresh milk dairy.

“We have liaised with Unite throughout the collective consultation process and continue to work closely with our colleagues through individual consultation. We have undertaken and continue to consider a wide range of actions to mitigate the number of people impacted by the proposed closure through redeployment internally to other sites or by securing alternative employment outside of Arla where possible.

“We are urgently seeking clarification from Unite as to why they have issued this statement at this time, which we do not believe assists any of those impacted by the changes at the site.

“It would be inappropriate for us to comment any further as the consultation process at the site is ongoing.”

Arla Foods announced in March that the plant could close by the end of July with the company’s £150m Aylesbury site taking on the bulk of the Essex processing operation.

TheBusinessDesk.com has reached out to Arla Foods UK for comment.