Fox’s Biscuits announces hundreds of job cuts

By Gill Hyslop

- Last updated on GMT

Fox's Biscuits is cutting around a third of its workforce at its East Staffordshire facility. Pic: ©GettyImages/AndreyPopov
Fox's Biscuits is cutting around a third of its workforce at its East Staffordshire facility. Pic: ©GettyImages/AndreyPopov

Related tags Fox's Biscuits 2 sisters food group Redundancy Unite union

Around a third of its workforce at the 160-year-old UK company’s facilities in East Staffordshire and West Yorkshire could receive the chop by August.

According to parent company 2 Sisters Food Group, it recently committed to a major investment plan to maximize new growth and commercial opportunities.

‘As part of this plan, we have informed colleagues there are number of tough decisions to make as we review manufacturing capabilities to give us the best possible chance of sustained success,’ it said in a statement.

Viable future

‘Regrettably, our loss-making site in Uttoxeter requires urgent attention and biscuit production lines need reconfiguring to ensure it has a longer-term, viable future.

‘Around 250 roles [out of its 780 workforce] will be at risk of redundancy.’

The privately-owned food manufacturing food company added another 50 jobs are also be at risk at Fox’s distribution centers in Uttoxeter and Wakefield, as it is exploring proposals to outsource this work.

‘Our key priority now is to hold meaningful discussions with all affected colleagues and their representatives and ensure we explore all possible options before coming to any final decisions,’ added 2 Sisters.

Fox’s Biscuits was established in 1853 and employs around 2,000 people across three sites, in Staffordshire, West Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Massive blow

Unite regional officer Rick Coyle said the news is a “massive blow to the workforce, their families and the regional economy. It will cause real economic pain.

“Unite will be giving maximum support to our hundreds of members at Uttoxeter in the days and weeks ahead at what is a difficult time for the workforce.”

He added the union has requested an urgent meeting with the owners.

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