Pilgrim’s Pride, through its unit Pilgrim’s Europe, has announced plans to shut down its snacking products factory in Spurway, West London, a move expected to impact 270 employees.

Job Reductions Across All Levels

A spokesperson for Pilgrim’s Europe told Just Food that positions “at all levels” are at risk of redundancy. This decision is part of the company’s ongoing review of its operational footprint to ensure that its sites are fully optimized, securing a sustainable future for the business and its employees.

Negotiations with union representatives are anticipated to commence soon, with the company exploring opportunities for relocating affected employees to other Pilgrim’s Europe sites.

Commitment to Quality and Service

The spokesperson emphasized Pilgrim’s Europe’s dedication to maintaining its 30-year heritage and capability to deliver high-quality food solutions and best-in-class service to its customers. Despite the closure, the company remains committed to investing in its operations.

The Spurway facility specialized in producing snacks for the UK retail market, including products like cocktail sausages and scotch eggs. Just Food has reached out to the Moy Park brand owner to confirm the size of the Spurway site and the expected closure date.

Recent Layoffs and Union Concerns

Earlier this year, Pilgrim’s Food Masters, another division of the US-based meat giant, announced plans to close another UK factory, affecting 260 employees. Workers at that facility were represented by the British trade union GMB, which organized a 45-day consultation period to discuss the implications of the job losses.

GMB senior organizer Gavin Davies expressed serious concerns about the impact of these layoffs on members and the local community. In March 2023, the union highlighted threats to 1,000 employees at another UK site, who faced losing paid breaks, reduced sick pay, and the removal of Diwali holiday pay. Pilgrim’s Food Masters eventually withdrew these threats following union intervention.

Economic Challenges

The decision to close the Spurway site comes amid challenging economic conditions. Pilgrim’s Food Masters cited “difficult headwinds” and the “inflationary environment” as reasons for closing another site in Southall last year, which resulted in over 200 job losses.

Conclusion

Pilgrim’s Pride’s decision to close the Spurway snacks facility is a significant development, impacting 270 employees and reflecting broader economic challenges. The company’s efforts to optimize its operations and sustain its business underscore the difficult decisions faced by many in the current economic climate.

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Source: Just-Food