A coffee factory in Banbury say 280 jobs are at risk
It's due to the Jacob Douwe Egberts plant potentially closing part of the site to focus solely on packing.
Last updated 15th Nov 2023
A spokesperson for JDE said overcapacity of freeze-dried coffee in their European factories and the fact the site is it's least competitive were factors considered.
The coffee processing plant has been in the town since 1964.
But this round of potential job cuts comes as a spokesperson for the company says it's operating in 'challenging economic times'.
250 roles are at risk with a further 30 as they also look to close their Research & Development facility at the Ruscote Avenue site.
Unite national officer Paul Travers said: “The potential loss of so many JDE jobs is devastating news for its workers and Banbury as a whole. Unite will be offering support to our members at this difficult time.
“We will now be entering consultations with JDE and will leave no stone unturned in seeking alternative plans that are less damaging than the ones put forward.
“If jobs do have to go, we will ensure our members’ best interests are the priority, including negotiating against compulsory redundancies and for the best possible severance packages.”
According to local MP Victoria Prentis the jobs are likely to go next February. She's said the redundancies are disappointing adding; "I know this will not have been an easy decision for the management to come to, but JDE like many other companies are faced with having to adapt to some of the challenges associated with rapid advances in technology."
She's said she understand a consultation will be launched at the end of the month and she's set to speak with the Plant Director later this week to discuss their plans in better detail.
The JDE spokesperson added that Banbury has long been associated with coffee and the cuts will mean the facility will remain a key one the their network.