Jobs fear as factory closure revealed

Kerry Foods plans to close one of its UK factories, putting more than 350 jobs at risk, says the union Usdaw.

It said the move, affecting the site in Durham, was “disastrous” for the workers and their families.

The union said the announcement was made yesterday afternoon to “stunned” workers who were told that the firm proposed to transfer production to other Kerry Foods sites to cut costs.

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Usdaw said the factory is Durham’s third largest private sector employer, and has been in operation for many years, mainly processing sliced meats for a range of major and own label brands.

Joanne Thomas, Usdaw’s North East divisional officer said: “This is absolutely disastrous news for everyone who works at Kerry Foods, for their families and for the whole community.”

Some people worked alongside their parents so closure could destroy a whole family income.

She added: “We will examine the company’s business case for the proposed closure in detail but our overriding objective will be to keep the site open and to save jobs.”