Jobs under threat at poultry producer

About 90 jobs are under threat at Bernard Matthews following "a review of the current production processes and staffing levels" at the poultry producer.

The company - which has had a torrid year following an outbreak of bird flu at one of its sites in north Suffolk at the start of 2007 - yesterday said the review was part of an ongoing strategy to build a sustainable business for the future "through a focus back on British turkey farming and preparing great-tasting British turkey products".

It added that seasonal factors and a lower-than-expected turnover of staff had forced it to take action.

The company said that the predicted 90 redundancies - which will affect processing staff at its Norfolk production sites - were the subject of a consultation process with unions and workers and were not a direct result of the problems it has faced over recent months and years.

"It is normal to see a reduction of staffing levels between Christmas and Easter, which has meant that the workforce has adjusted naturally to meet seasonal demands," said Bernard Matthews chief executive Noel Bartram.

"However, this year we have seen significantly fewer staff leaving the company during this period and as a result we have had to review staffing levels in line with forecasted demand.

"This review, combined with an ongoing drive towards increasing efficiency, will help to maintain our competitive position in a challenging economic climate and help safeguard the future of our 2,750 employees in East Anglia."

Mr Bartram added: "We understand that the consultation process may cause uncertainly for staff and we will ensure that they are kept up to date.

"This is part of our plan to build a sustainable business for Bernard Matthews focusing back on British turkey farming and production of turkey products that will ensure our status as a leading employer in East Anglia."

Miles Hubbard, a full-time official at the T&G section of the Unite union, said: "These redundancies are inevitable, but we are satisfied that the company has an achievable strategic plan towards profitability."

He added: "We will obviously continue to consult with the company to make sure that the redundancy criteria are fair and equitable."

Source: Eastern Daily Press