‘Deeply disappointing’; Unite on job cuts at Bernard Matthews
The threat to up to 155 jobs at Norfolk turkey producers Bernard Matthews has been described as ‘deeply disappointing’ by trade union Unite.
Bernard Matthews announced this week that it plans to cut up to 90 jobs at the production factory in Great Witchingham in Norfolk as well as around 50 jobs at its head office.
The company’s north site, which deals with turkey production, is said to be unaffected.
The 45-day consultation period started on 7th February.
Unite regional officer Steve Harley said: “This is deeply disappointing news as it was only five months ago that it was made clear that the new owner [the private office of Ranjit Singh Boparan] wished to restore Bernard Matthews to its former position as a highly profitable business.
“This was going to be achieved by greater investment in the business and utilising the spare capacity at Bernard Matthews to process chicken and not just turkeys.
“However, following a review of its turkey production operations at its plants in Norfolk and Suffolk, we have been given this news that is a big blow to the workers, their families and the local economy.”
Harley expressed that Unite’s priority is making sure that there should be no compulsory redundancies amongst the dedicated workforce.
“We will also be urging for redeployment within other parts of the Bernard Matthews business and, where this is not possible, look for new employment across other poultry companies, including 2 Sisters,” he said.
“The management has announced that unless new opportunities can be sourced to increase demand in all-year chicken production, then it will have to cease such production at its south site.”
Unite represents about 600 of the 2,000-strong workforce at the producing sites at Great Witchingham and Holton in Suffolk, as well as the animal food mill at Bawsey, near King’s Lynn.
The union said that at present hourly paid staff at Holton, Suffolk should not be affected by these announcements.
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