The family-owned fine wine and spirits merchant confirmed that it has entered into a consultation process with the staff at risk of redundancy, citing rising costs and political factors as cause for the decision.
“Like many businesses, we are having to make some very difficult but necessary decisions in the face of extremely challenging global market conditions, as well as significant cost pressures, high inflation and recent increases in National Insurance contributions,” commented Emma Fox, chief executive at Berry Bros. & Rudd.
Fox took over from Lizzy Rudd as chief executive in 2020, with Rudd now acting as chair of the board of directors.
“As such, we have recently entered into a consultation process with colleagues across 30 roles,” Fox continued.
“We are doing everything we can to support all of our dedicated colleagues and especially those affected by this announcement.”
The increase to National Insurance contributions was also used as an explanation for recent job cuts at Morrisons, with CEO Rami Baitiéh arguing in December that the Budget would bring about an “avalanche” of costs for businesses.
In the Budget, chancellor Rachel Reeves said that the UK Government would be lowering the threshold at which businesses start paying National Insurance on worker pay from £9,100 to £5,000, while raising contributions by employers from 13.8% to 15%.
Berry Bros. & Rudd
Founded in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd claims to be the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant.
The firm acquired Sparkling wine producer Hambledon Vineyard last year as part of a joint venture with Symington Family Estates.
Hambledon is England’s oldest commercial vineyard having been established 1952, and has the capacity to produce more than 500,000 bottles of sparkling wine each year.
Speaking at the time, Rudd said: “Together, we are committed to sustainable viticulture and winemaking, and we believe that this business, which was the first commercial English vineyard of the modern era, has the foundations and potential to lead the way in the English sparkling wine category.”
