It was announced on 15 May that the two firms had agreed terms on the £1.2 billion deal, which Bakkavor shareholders will now vote on.
Following the announcement, GMB highlighted the mention of cost synergies related to the “rationalisation of manufacturing sites and associated headcount” in the deal’s appendices, which it has argued could mean redundancies.
However, the firm’s also wrote in the deal announcement that redundancies are “not expected to be material”.
“The likelihood of site closures and drop in headcount confirms our worst fears – that hard-working production staff will be facing job losses,” said Eamon O’Hearn, GMB national officer.
“It is disappointing that references to job losses and site closures was buried deep in the appendices of the announcement, and was not mentioned in emails to unions this morning.
“This is no way to treat loyal staff, many of whom worked throughout Covid to keep food production going.
“Any review initiated by Greencore needs to be transparent and include their workers’ trade union voice.”
Meanwhile, Unite called for an “urgent meeting” with the two firms to its address its concerns.
“Unite has serious concerns about a merger of Greencore and Bakkavor food manufacturing companies,” said Unite national officer for food Bev Clarkson.
“Unite is calling for an urgent meeting with both companies’ management teams to address these issues and we will be supporting our members throughout this process.”
Clarkson also accused the firms of paying “poverty wages” in the past, an accusation that Unite made against Bakkavor when 700 of its members employed by the firm voted to strike last year. The strike came to an end in March 2025 after a deal was reached between Bakkavor and Unite.
In response, Greencore and Bakkavor both pointed to the following wording in the deal: “It is anticipated that efforts will be made to mitigate the need for headcount reductions through the standalone growth of the Combined Group, natural attrition, the elimination of vacant roles, the slowing or pausing of select hiring plans and alternative job opportunities, and redundancies at each of Bakkavor and Greencore are not expected to be material."
Greencore also highlighted this passage: “The finalisation and implementation of any workforce reductions, including those referred to above and further below, will be subject to comprehensive planning and appropriate engagement and consultation with stakeholders, including impacted colleagues and any appropriate employee representative bodies and conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
“Any impacted individuals will be treated in a manner consistent with Greencore’s high standards, culture and practices.”
According to the announcement, together Greencore and Bakkavor employ more than 30,000 people.
Alongside news of the acquisition deal, both firms released an update on their finances. At Greencore, the firm announced that revenue grew 6.5% to £922 million during H1 of 2024/25, with adjusted operating profit up 60% to £45 million.
Meanwhile, Bakkavor upgraded its adjusted operating profit guidance for the full-year following a strong Q1 performance.
