Jacob’s Cream Crackers owner Pladis is set to make more than 350 workers at its factory in Liverpool redundant, the GMB union has revealed.
Nearly half of the 763-employed workforce will have their jobs axed from December 2024.
A Pladis spokeswoman said: “Jacob’s is one of the most iconic brands in the UK and has been around for over 100 years. To ensure it can remain for another 100 years, it is essential we address the current constraints we have at Aintree.
“We have therefore proposed some changes at the site which include a significant investment in the infrastructure but reducing the overall site footprint. This proposal will now be subject to consultation with our employees as it could result in a reduction in roles at Aintree from December 2024. We will do everything we can to support our colleagues through this uncertain time.”
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The redundancies follow factory staff at the Aintree facility threatening to stage a permanent strike over a pay dispute last year.
The strike was called off after workers were awarded a 6.5% pay increase and a £500 bonus.
“This decision will leave many workers feeling frustrated and worried. In the run-up to Christmas last year, GMB members at the site were on the picket line fighting for better pay. The workers won the pay they deserved,” said GMB regional organiser, Lisa Ryan.
“And for this Christmas their reward is redundancies. Jacob’s have sunk to new lows. We will fight tooth and nail for the best outcome for Jacob’s workers.”
