July – Greencore factory closure to axe 400 jobs
Up to 400 jobs are to be axed at chilled foods manufacturer Greencore’s Evercreech factory in Somerset, after the company announced the final closure date for the site.
The decision came after a 45-day consultation period between Greencore and representatives of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) over a redundancy package for staff.
Greencore, which manufactures desserts for Marks & Spencer, originally announced plans to close Evercreech in May. Production at the factory would be wound down in two phases next year, according to Usdaw.
“It is with great regret that following extensive consultation, Greencore has had to confirm the closure of its Evercreech facility,” said Usdaw area organiser Ron Hemming. “We are continuing in talks with the company to try and get the best possible severance package for our members.”
A Greencore spokesman said the company had been unable to find ways of avoiding or reducing the potential redundancies caused by the closure of the site.
“This has come about because there are no financially sustainable solutions to repair or replace the current facility, which is now 126 years old and in need of significant refurbishment,” said the spokesman.