2,000 Bernard Matthews jobs confirmed safe

Unite welcomed the reassurances about job security after the union met representatives from the new owner of the turkey producer yesterday (September 21). It said it was clear the new owner wanted to invest in Bernard Matthews, securing the company’s place as a major employer in East Anglia.

The union said it held “productive talks” with the new owner of Bernard Matthews during its meeting at Great Witchingham, Norfolk.

‘Restore Bernard Matthews to its former position’

Unite regional officer Steve Harley said: “It was made clear that the new owner wishes to restore Bernard Matthews to its former position as the highly profitable business that it enjoyed before the current financially troubled period.

“This would be achieved by greater investment in the business, cost savings and utilising the present spare capacity at Bernard Matthews to process chicken and not just turkeys.”

The union had sought assurances about the Bernard Matthews jobs, following fears of job cuts after a takeover.

Strong platform for growth

Bernard Matthews was sold to Ranjit Singh Boparan in a pre-pack administration deal earlier this week. The new owner said the acquisition created a strong platform for growth.

The Boparan Private Office said: “We intend to respect and build on the 66-year heritage of a much-loved British brand and crucially help to deliver Christmas 2016, which would have been at a risk without our intervention.”

Meanwhile, previous owner of Bernard Matthews, private equity firm Rutland Partners said: “While disappointed that the business has continued to struggle during our ownership, we are pleased that it has now been acquired by Ranjit Boparan with access to a large UK poultry group, and that all the jobs have been preserved.”