Restructuring of 2 Sisters Group announced
Poultry giant 2 Sisters Food Group is planning a major restructure of its UK processing plants.
The company is looking to close 3 loss-making sites, putting 900 jobs at risk. But at the same time, it also plans to create up to 1,000 jobs at other plants across the UK.
Plant closures
It proposes to close its West Midland factories in Smethwick and Wolverhampton along with a 3rd at Cambuslang in South Lanarkshire. Plants which will see additional employment include Willand, Devon (300 jobs), Couper Angus, Perth and Kinross (250), Site D, West Bromwich (400), Llangefni, Anglesey (35) and Scunthorpe (30).
The restructuring announcement follows a turbulent period for the company, which has hit by controversy over food standards, which led to the closure for a period of time of its Smethwick plant.
Build a better business
A 2 Sisters spokesman said: “As we continue to build a better business, we are simplifying how we work and investing in the areas that can make the most positive difference to our UK poultry operations.
“This means that we will be creating up to 1,000 new roles within the poultry supply chain. However, we do have areas of significant challenge and regrettably 900 roles will be at risk a three loss-making sites which we propose to close.”
Sense of betrayal amongst employees
Union bosses said they would fight to save jobs. Joe Clarke, Unite national officer for food, said: “These plans will impact on communities and employment opportunities in Scotland and the West Midlands. Over the coming day and weeks, Unite will be pressing the case for jobs and investment to save the 3 sites from closure.
“Workers who have stuck with the company through thick and thin and worked hard to make it a success will inevitably feel a sense of betrayal. The 2 Sisters Food Group needs to engage in the consultation constructively and be willing to listen to alternatives to site closures.”
