Staff set to strike at Weetabix over changes to shift patterns have postponed their plans for industrial action and are to vote on a new offer from the UK breakfast cereal group.

Last month, employees voted to walk out at two sites on unspecified dates this year following what union leaders called a “breakdown” in talks with the cereal maker over the introduction of a new shift pattern.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

In a statement this week, Ed Leach, area organiser at the Usdaw union, said: “Following the overwhelming vote in favour of industrial action, the company immediately contacted me to seek further talks on suitable financial incentives for employees who have moved shift or will be expected to move onto the new 24/7 shift pattern. We welcome the company’s positive engagement with us to seek a solution that will avoid the industrial action backed by our members. They have listened to staff and brought forward an improved offer, which we are balloting members on.”

Over the weekend, the takeover speculation surrounding Weetabix intensified, with reports a number of multinational food companies were interested in the business, which is majority-owned by China’s Bright Food.

The Sunday Telegraph reported Nestle and General Mills had registered their interest in Weetabix through their international breakfast cereal venture Cereal Partners Worldwide.

See Also:

PepsiCo, the owner of the Quaker cereal brand, was also said to be eyeing the prospective sale of Bright Food’s 60% stake in Weetabix, the report said. Yildiz Holding, through its UK-based subsidiary Pladis, was also said to be monitoring the situation. However, Pladis subsequently told just-food it was not interested in the business.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Daily Mail reported on Saturday Italian pasta giant Barilla was in talks to buy Bright Food’s shareholding, which the state-backed Chinese group acquired in 2012.

Nestle declined to comment when approached by just-food. PepsiCo and Barilla have not returned requests for comment.