UK baker Warburtons is mulling potential job cuts at its Variety bakery in Bolton.

The company confirmed this morning (28 February) that it has opened worker consultations with its 111 employees, although only 28 positions are expected to be lost.

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The move comes in response to declining demand for bread rolls produced at the site. Warburtons has proposed an investment of GBP1m to introduce automated packing machinery at the facility in order to bring the site in-line with the rest of the business, the company added.

Warburtons said the “difficult decision” would enable it to “maximise” manufacturing capacity and operate more efficiently.

“The proposed changes are designed to make our manufacturing operations more efficient and flexible to help better meet the ever changing demands of our customers and consumers across the UK,” Warburtons CEO Jonathan Warburton commented.

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