Packaging jobs hit by British Bakeries closure

Workers in the packaging department at British Bakeries in Bradford are likely to lose their jobs after the firm said it would cease all manufacturing and support operations at the site.

Up to 370 jobs will go at the bread-making factory as part of a restructuring following declining bread sales.

The firm, which makes bread for the Hovis, Mother's Pride and Nimble brands, will also close its depot in Telford with the loss of 60 jobs.

A spokesman for British Bakeries said: "Closing a site is not a decision we take lightly. The move reflects an overall fall in bread consumption, changing consumer habits and the increased self-sufficiency of British Bakeries' operations in the south of England, resulting in a reduced requirement to transfer bread and morning goods down the country."

The firm, which has started a 90-day consultation with staff and trade unions, said it would also reorganise dispatch and logistics activities at the Bradford site as a depot facility.

British Bakeries has 23 UK manufacturing and distribution sites and employs 6,500 people.
Source: packagingnews