Owner of Liverpool cream cracker and biscuit factory Jacob’s says new investment at the plant will lead to job losses. Tony McDonough reports
Biscuit giant Pladis says it is planning to cut jobs at its Jacob’s cream cracker and biscuit factory in Liverpool.
More than 760 people are currently employed at the Aintree site producing Cream Crackers, Club biscuits, Twiglets, Jaffa Cakes cake bars, Mini Cheddars and Cracker Crisps.
Pladis has said it is currently conducting a consultation with the workforce that will see a reduction in headcount. But it adds the jobs cuts will not happen until December 2024.
A representative of the GMB union, Lisa Ryan, had told the Business Desk media outlet that the company was planning to start cutting 361 roles from its workforce by the end of this year. The company is refuting that claim.
In a statement the company said: “Jacob’s is one of the most iconic brands in the UK and has been around for over 100 years. To ensure it can remain for another 100 years, it is essential we address the current constraints we have at Aintree.
“We have therefore proposed some changes at the site which include a significant investment in the infrastructure but reducing the overall site footprint.
“This proposal will now be subject to consultation with our employees as it could result in a reduction in roles at Aintree from December 2024. We will do everything we can to support our colleagues through this uncertain time.”
In December 2022 work resumed at the site when a bitter pay dispute was settled. The dispute had led to a four-week walk-out. Pladis agreed a 6.5% pay rise with a one-off £500 payment.
Lisa Ryan, GMB regional organiser, said this week: “This decision will leave many workers feeling frustrated and worried.
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“In the run up to Christmas last year, GMB members at the site were on the picket line fighting for better pay. The workers won the pay they deserved.
“And for this Christmas their reward is redundancies. Jacobs have sunk to new lows. We will fight tooth and nail for the best outcome for Jacob’s workers.”