McVitie’s set to cut 160 jobs at its historic Stockport factory

More than 150 jobs are at risk at the McVitie’s factory in Stockport, it has been announced today, Tuesday March 22nd.

In total 159 jobs are at risk at the historic factory, with union bosses describing the news as ‘devastating’, adding that this would essentially be a ‘one-third cut in staff’.

The company behind McVitie’s, Pladis, said restructuring ‘could potentially result in the loss of 159 out of 470 roles’, as per the Manchester Evening News.

Pladis said: “The proposal could potentially result in the loss of 159 out of 470 roles.

“The proposal seeks to address growing external headwinds such as rising inflation, increasing energy costs and supply chain disruption pushing up production costs, at a time when the business faces a change in consumer demand.

“Manchester remains a critical part of pladis’ operations in the UK, producing well-known branded products, however the factory’s operating model is no longer sustainable and must be addressed as part of the proposed changes.”

David Dixon / Geograph

The company confirmed that a ‘full and meaningful consultation with employee representatives’ is planned, while the union Usdaw said consultation talks were set to happen.

Usdaw’s National Officer, Dave Gill, confirmed that talks between the union and Pladis would go ahead, adding: “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.”

Nina Sparks, the 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.”