'Is there no other suitable local land?' Unions meet to try and save 860 jobs

In response the Oscar Mayer chief exec Francois Legrain says: "We believe we have exhausted every avenue to continue future production at Chard, and currently we are unable to see a way to make the economics of this site work in such a challenging market. "

Following this week's meeting Yeovil & District Trade Union Council said: "The threatened closure of the Oscar Mayer ready-meals plant in Chard should concern everyone in Chard, in South Somerset and in the wider area.

"Yeovil & District Trade Union Council held an online discussion on the subject on 5 November, attended by Rowena Hayward of the GMB union, which has members employed at the site, and a staff representative.

"All delegates expressed their concern, noting that the closure, if it goes ahead, would be very damaging to the local economy due to the loss of purchasing power by people becoming unemployed and by the loss of business by companies supplying the plant with a wide variety of goods and services.

"We were especially concerned at the fears of foreign workers with non-settled status who may fear for their future. The loss of 860 jobs in a small town like Chard, with a population of about 12,000, would be devastating.

"Some workers travel considerable distances to get to work, so once again the effects would be widespread. This is also another nail in the coffin for manufacturing in the UK and comes as very sad news.

"Although there has been a reduction in demand due to the pandemic, it seems that the key issue is the alleged unsuitability of the site for the refurbishment of the plant. Is there no other suitable land in the locality? Can’t the District Council or County Council assist in this?

"The GMB are liaising with Somerset County Council and local councillors and MPs to see whether there is anything that can be done to change the outcome.

"We believe that this should not just be a business decision, to be taken by the German-owned private equity group that bought the company in 2017.

"The human cost and the social impact on the community must also be considered. It does feel as though a decision has already been made to close the factory.

"Hence it is a matter for local politicians too, and perhaps national government. The workers have done nothing to deserve this treatment.

"We express our solidarity with the workers at Oscar Mayer and their families and stand ready to help them in any way we can.

Oscar Mayer chief exec Francois Legrain responded by saying: “We believe we have exhausted every avenue to continue future production at Chard, and currently we are unable to see a way to make the economics of this site work in such a challenging market.

"However, we have today opened the consultation process to consider with our employee representatives whether there are any further options that can be explored, before a final decision is taken.

“Rest assured Oscar Mayer fully recognises its responsibility to the local community and sincerely regrets the distress and disappointment this move may cause.

"We have already met with the Mayor and the Council and are straining every sinew to minimise disruption. This closure, should it occur, is no reflection on the talent and capability of our dedicated staff, who have worked exceptionally hard to help us increase efficiency, for which we remain extremely grateful.

"I only hope it is of some reassurance that every measure will be taken to assist our colleagues in their search for meaningful alternative employment, should the time come, which would include prioritising Chard employees for opportunities that may arise elsewhere in the Oscar Mayer group.

"Finally, we are encouraged to have received a number of offers of employment from regional employers, which may bring relief to some of our colleagues, should a decision to close in the next 12 months be made."