McCain announces 230 potential job losses

The firm told Food Manufacture​ that a consultation period was now underway as it sought to “optimise its network of production facilities​”, with no other sites to be affected at this stage.

“This proposal has been made after an extensive review of current and future requirements for the McCain UK business, and will ensure we continue to be an efficient and customer-focused business that is fit for the future,” ​said a spokeswoman for the company.​

“If the proposal is accepted, the site will continue production, with approximately 150 roles ongoing. We remain committed to our operations in Grantham and the UK and no other McCain sites are included in this proposal.​

Fairness and respect​

“The employees at our Grantham plant are loyal and hard-working, and it’s our priority now to ensure that every affected colleague is treated with fairness and respect and given our full support through the consultation period​.”

As previously reported in April, the firm posted robust profit and sales growth in the face of Brexit uncertainty​ in its results for the period ended 30 June. In March 2017, McCain invested more than £100M in its Scarborough factory​, after revealing plans to expand the site in North Yorkshire. The previous month, 74 jobs came under threat ​ at the same site. 

The news follows a number of factory consultations and job losses in recent months.

More than 100 people have been made redundant at the 2 Sisters-owned Fox’s Biscuits factory​ in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.

In October, meat processor Tulip also revealed 270 planned job losses​ with the proposed closure of its Bodmin plant in Cornwall.