Unite has cautioned that Nestlé’s sale of Buxton water to American private equity firm Platinum Equity must not be used as a “cover to attack workers”.
Airing its concerns, the union said the Swiss multinational, which will still retain a substantial interest in the business, could use the divestment to dilute pensions, benefits and terms and conditions, and put jobs at risk.
Unite said that in October 2025 Nestlé announced it would be cutting 16,000 jobs across its worldwide operations.
The company has already announced around 450 job cuts across its UK sites, which Unite said leaves the UK facilities disproportionately affected in relation to the European market.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The success of Nestlé’s UK bottled water business was built on the work of our members. Nestlé and Platinum Equity now need to ensure that they are rewarded and that the benefits, protections and job security they have earned over many years of dedicated service are maintained.
“The new owners are on notice. If there are any attempts to attack the jobs, pay and conditions of Unite members on the back of this sale in order to line the pockets of investors, we will fight back.”
Nestlé is also proposing to reduce engineering roles at its Halifax site by around 40%, and has so far refused to give assurances that the Halifax factory, which produces Quality Street and After Eight, is not at risk of closure.
In a statement given to Food Manufacture, a Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages spokesperson said: “This announcement is of a plan to create a joint venture. Nestlé and Platinum Equity announced a plan to create Peranel, a 50:50 joint venture for Nestlé’s waters and premium beverages business, designed to establish a dedicated player with strengthened focus to drive growth in a dynamic category.
“The transaction is subject to employee consultation processes and applicable regulatory approvals and is expected to close in H1 2027.
“Our people are central to the business and our future success. We will work closely with colleagues who will hear important updates directly through the appropriate channels as key milestones are reached.”
Unite national officer for food, drink and agriculture Pat McIlvogue added: “Unite will fight tooth and nail for every job put at risk by Nestlé.
“The company is chasing short-term stock market gains at the expense of the long-term viability of its UK businesses. Unite will resist any and all attempts by Nestlé to make its workers bear the brunt of its cost cutting.”
