Unite has launched a recognition campaign at doorstep delivery firm Milk & More, after the company moved to derecognise trade unions Unite and Usdaw, ending decades of collective bargaining and formal workforce representation.

The move, which effectively severs official union channels within the business, comes amid growing scrutiny of Milk & More’s ownership under MoreCo Group Limited, controlled by individuals linked to Nijjar Group Freshway Holdings, a network of food businesses previously criticised for aggressive cost-cutting and labour practices.

In a statement released on Thursday (9 October) Unite general secretary Sharon Graham condemned the move, calling it “a disgrace” and accusing Milk & More’s owners of “union-busting tactics.”

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“A company built on the backs of its workers is now attempting to silence their voice,” Graham said. “Unite will not stand for it, we’re launching a campaign to rebuild membership and win back recognition.”

Unite said the derecognition would strip workers of their say over pay, health and safety, and working conditions, while allowing management to impose new terms unilaterally.

Regional officer Perry Wright added: “This is a textbook case of union busting. Milk & More has stripped workers of their collective voice to impose its agenda without resistance.”

The union has pledged to file a statutory application to regain recognition and urged employees to join the campaign, while also calling on politicians and the wider labour movement to oppose what it described as “a dangerous precedent” for the UK’s food and drink industry.