UK biscuit maker Burton’s Foods has decided to keep chocolate refining at its facility in Moreton in an agreement with unions that brings an end to a four-month dispute.
The company, which makes Cadbury’s biscuits under licence, agreed to a union proposal to continue refining chocolate at the Moreton site, which it had earmarked for closure.
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Burton’s initial plans, announced in January, also included the outsourcing of chocolate refining at Moreton, the introduction of flexible working at all its manufacturing sites and the consolidate of the company’s “multi-site” Knowsley distribution operations into one location.
The plans also included investment in two other facilities in Edinburgh and Llantarnam but, in total, some 412 jobs were said to be under threat, including 342 at Moreton.
The proposals drew criticism from the Unite union, which put forward alternative plans.
Last month, after talks with Unite, Burton’s said it would press ahead with plans to stop producing biscuits at Moreton and switch production to its facilities in Edinburgh and Llantarnam.
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By GlobalDataHowever, Burton’s said today (20 May) that it would retain the chocolate refining at Moreton, which would potentially save up to 60 jobs.
“A capital investment programme is proposed focussed on building the capabilities in the refinery,” a Burton’s spokesperson said.
A second union proposal – to keep the packing of seasonal products at Moreton – was rejected. The Burton’s spokesperson said this would be outsourced to DHL but its staff would be transferred under TUPE employment regulations.
Unite regional officer Ritchie James said it was “disappointing and upsetting” not to save the whole Moreton site but insisted the union had secured the “best possible outcome” for its members.
