'Heartbreaking for the workforce' - Kerry Foods closes UK factory with loss of 900 jobs

Kerry Foods is planning to close its factory in the UK town of Burton-on-Trent - a move that will lead to 900 job losses.

'Heartbreaking for the workforce' - Kerry Foods closes UK factory with loss of 900 jobs

Kerry Foods is planning to close its factory in the UK town of Burton-on-Trent - a move that will lead to 900 job losses.

The news has been described by union officials as a "crushing blow" for the area.

Unite said it would leave no stone unturned in helping its members affected by the announcement, and has already been in touch with the town's second largest employer regarding employment opportunities.

Regional officer Rick Coyle said: "This is a calamity for Burton as Kerry Foods is the town's biggest employer.

It is heartbreaking for the workforce, their families and, more widely, a crushing blow for the regional economy.

"This is a very sad day for Burton and the end of an era."

Unite said the closure was a result of Kerry Foods losing its contract to supply supermarket giant Tesco with ready-made meals.

Mr Coyle added: "The problem going forward is that there are not that many well-paid jobs in Burton and the vicinity to replace those that will be lost at the end of August.

"We have been in touch with Molson Coors (the town's second biggest employer) to explore employment opportunities there.

Also, we will help arrange a jobs fair at the site and assist our members with their CVs and advice on updating their skills.

The union said its staff will meet management on Friday to discuss an enhanced redundancy package for its members.

- Press Association

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

FILE PHOTO The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has cleared the purchase of Goodbody Stockbrokers by AIB END Goodbody Stockbrokers fined over €1.2m by Central Bank over rules breaches
Nottingham City Centre Stock Irish staff at the Body Shop wait for wages as retailer shuts stores in the Republic
Ryanair comments on Norwegian Ryanair boss O'Leary's spat with Transport Minister over Dublin Airport escalates
IE logo
Devices


UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE IRISH EXAMINER FOR TEAMS AND ORGANISATIONS
FIND OUT MORE

The Business Hub
Newsletter

News and analysis on business, money and jobs from Munster and beyond by our expert team of business writers.

Sign up
ie logo
Puzzles Logo

Play digital puzzles like crosswords, sudoku and a variety of word games including the popular Word Wheel

Lunchtime News
Newsletter

Keep up with the stories of the day with our lunchtime news wrap.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited