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800 Unilever jobs at risk

Unilever are shutting sites in Flintshire, Swansea, Bridgend and Slough, putting 800 jobs at risk.

200 jobs could also go at the IT centre in Ewloe, but 400 posts could be transferred to Merseyside. 25 jobs at a distribution centre in Bridgend could also be cut.

The consumer goods giant has a workforce of 7,200, and makes a wide range of products including Marmite, PG Tips, Pot Noodles, Vaseline, Persil and Domestos.

The changes could come into effect by the end of 2013, and would include 500 direct and 300 indirect job losses.

Reviews of the proposals are expected to be concluded in the autumn, with a final decision taken in September.

Amanda Sourry, chair of Unilever UK and Ireland, said: “Like many companies today, Unilever faces the challenge of creating growth opportunities against a backdrop of very tough economic conditions in Europe.

Despite this however, the firm plans to invest £40 million in its largest factory in Port Sunlight, Merseyside.

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside and Local Government Minister, who constituency includes Ewloe, said: “I will continue to work tirelessly with representatives from Unilever, my colleagues in the Welsh government and from the staff’s union, Unite, to provide whatever support we can to the staff affected.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .