Coca-Cola confirms 288 jobs hit amid plant closure plans

In January, the company announced the proposal to shut down the manufacturing site in Milton Keynes, which produces about one-third of its canned output, and its distribution centre in Northampton. 

At the time the company said it believed the changes were necessary as they would provide significant productivity improvements​​. 

CCEP said that, after consulting with employees and their representatives for 55 days, it had taken the decision to move ahead with proposals. 

288 job losses​ ​

“Under these plans the closures will take place across 2019, impacting a total of 288 roles across the two sites,” ​a CCEP spokesperson said. ​

“We want to stress that this is not a reflection on the performance or professionalism of our colleagues at these sites.​ ​

“We are committed to supporting all those impacted throughout the process of closure and beyond, by offering training and development opportunities, as well as tailored outplacement support.”​ ​

The company said there would be redeployment opportunities within the business, with the creation of 121 new roles across its manufacturing and distribution network. ​

The spokesperson added: “While this was a difficult decision to make, we believe it is the right way forward for our business. It will allow us to significantly improve productivity and create greater efficiency for our business in Great Britain, allowing us to continue to grow in this increasingly dynamic market.​ ​

Transfer production​ ​

“We will be transferring all production and warehousing from Milton Keynes and Northampton to other GB sites and will continue to invest in our business to support long-term growth.”​ ​

However, trade union Unite has argued that CCEP has not made a business case for the closures and has called for an “urgent rethink”.​ ​ 

“This is devastating news for the workers and their families, and the local economies in Milton Keynes and Northampton,” said ​Unite regional officer Sally Mortimer. 

“Unite does not believe that Coca-Cola has made a convincing business case for these closures.​ 

“We will be exploring with the company the redeployment opportunities that it has offered, so as many workers as possible find new jobs within Coca-Cola.”​

In the past month, CCEP has announced the UK launch of several drinks lines​​ catering for the demand for low sugar products ahead of the sugar tax on soft drinks​​ from 6 April.