Hain Daniels to axe 80 jobs at soups factory

The decision followed a period of collective and individual consultations at the site. Despite efforts to find a sustainable route to keep the site open, Hain Daniels said it was no longer viable in the long term.

The manufacturer has commenced the phased transfer of production to its site in Grimsby.

A spokesman said: “Following the consultation periods with our colleagues at the site, we are sad to say that 30 are leaving us on Friday 1st June. Phase two will continue until the end of the year, which will impact a further 50 colleagues. ​

‘Alternative opportunities’​

“We have already, and will continue to discuss all options available to our colleagues, including relocation or alternative opportunities within other sites in the group.”​

The company said it would offer its staff other methods of support, including CV workshops, developing interviewing skills and job searching.

Hain Daniels’ closure of its Peterborough site followed a review of its Chilled Desserts facility in Norfolk, which put jobs at risk.

The UK subsidiary of New York-based Hain Celestial, Hain Daniels has nine manufacturing sites across the UK. Its brands include Hartley’s, Sun Pat and Robertsons. In September last year, the company employed 3,300 UK workers.

Hain Celestial​

Its US owner has 36 manufacturing sites worldwide and generates global sales of about £2bn ($2.7bn) and has about 6,500 employees.

Meanwhile, the loss of 150 jobs at pork processor Tulip’s Bodmin, Cornwall meat processing site​​ has been deemed a ‘body blow’ to the local community by trade union Unite.

Tulip confirmed the closure of the site last week, less than two months after it announced it has entered a period of consultation with staff over the future of the factory.