Warning of long battle to save jobs at Dairy Crest
Union bosses today warned that the fight to save jobs at one of Shropshire’s biggest dairy processors, Dairy Crest, could be a slow and lengthy one.
The firm plans to gradually close its factory and creamery at Crudgington, near Telford, over the next 18 to 24 months with the loss of 161 jobs.
Production of butter and spreads, such as Country Life, will be consolidated at the company’s Liverpool base, and production will also increase at the firm’s plant in Gloucestershire.
Dairy Crest bosses have said about 50 workers would be able to move to the firm’s site in Merseyside with around 20 additional jobs at the Severnside creamery in Gloucestershire.
A spokesman for the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers said meetings were due to be held with the company and workers next week.
The union spokesman said the gradual closure would give them time to hold discussions.
He said: “Talks to save jobs are our priority but it’s likely to be a difficult. It will take a bit of time and will be a lengthy process.”
In a statement Dairy Crest said: “Consultation processes with the trade unions and employee representatives at Crudgington and the technical development centre will commence shortly.”
It added:“We plan to put together a package of support for employees who may be affected by these proposals.”