Partner Article

Jobs at risk at Dairy Crest plant on Merseyside

Dairy Crest has warned that up to 31 jobs are at risk at its Kirkby factory, which makes the Clover Lighter, Utterly Butterly and Vitalite brands.

The plant will become the main production site for butter and spreads when a sister plant in Crudgington, Shropshire, is closed next year.

Initially, the company expected the move would lead to new jobs at the Kirkby base, but recent adverse changes in market conditions have affected its plans.

The firms said the market, over recent months, has been “particularly difficult” , which has impacted on its spreads division.

In a statement, the firm said: “We now anticipate that consolidated production volumes at Kirkby will be lower than we initially thought. To ensure the success of the consolidation in this challenging commercial environment we have started to negotiate and consult with employees and their representatives on changes to the employee structure and current ways of working at Kirkby.

“This may involve a simplification of the existing complex employee agreements and some job losses. Should they arise we aim to keep these job losses to a minimum, and we will support any employees whose jobs do become redundant.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .