Bakkavor, a major supplier of fresh food to the supermarket multiples, has announced plans to close two of its sites.
In a statement, the company noted that the macro-economic backdrop, and in particular consumer sentiment, remains “very challenging”, with the high level of inflation expected to persist into next year.
Bakkavor said that following a review of its UK footprint “to protect our business”, it was proposing to close two manufacturing sites; Bakkavor Salads in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire and Bakkavor Desserts in Leicester. The group stated that its other UK sites had the capacity to continue fully servicing its customers should the proposals go ahead.
Over 900 staff are employed across the two sites. Bakkavor is commencing a 45-day consultation period with affected workers and their representatives. If the proposals go ahead, the company stressed that it will do everything it can to support staff and minimise job losses, potentially offering comparable roles at different sites.
CEO Mike Edwards commented: “As with businesses all over the UK, we are having to take decisive action to adapt to the challenging macro-economic backdrop. The decision to close any site is never taken lightly, and we do not underestimate the impact of this announcement on our colleagues and the local communities within which we operate.
“We remain committed to both protecting our business and doing everything we can to support our people through this difficult time.”
