Workers from the Burton’s Foods plant at Moreton, Merseyside, and union bosses will meet employment minister Jim Murphy this evening (June 5) to discuss what the government can do to save jobs at the site.
The meeting follows an announcement by Burton’s new private equity owner Duke Street Capital to cut 660 jobs at the plant and transfer production to its other UK sites.
Franny Joyce, a regional industrial organiser at the Transport & General Workers section of the Unite union, said: “Support is strong from the local community but there’s no doubt we are facing a tough battle. Meeting the minister is a significant part of our campaign. We’ll make sure he knows the importance of the plant to the area and see what he can do to assist us.”
He added: “We’re looking at whether there is grant aid available to assist with the development of the plant.”
Under Burton’s proposals, around 300 jobs would remain at Moreton, said chief executive Paul Kitchener. “We operate in a highly competitive environment against a backdrop of overcapacity in the UK market. A streamlined and more flexible manufacturing capability is essential to allow the business to capitalise on growth opportunities.”