McCain Foods (GB) Ltd announced on November 25 that it intends to cut as many as 230 jobs at its subsidiary PAS Grantham Ltd. frozen french fry plant at Easton, according to a report in the Grantham Journal. The plan is subject to collective consultation, which is required by law when the livelihoods of 20 or more employees are in jeopardy due to proposed terminations at a single workplace within a 90-day time frame.
McCain Foods employs approximately 1,600 people at multiple potato processing facilities in the United Kingdom and works with over 250 potato growers across the nation. It ranks as the UK’s largest purchaser of British potatoes, buying approximately 15% of the annual crop.
“This proposal has been made after an extensive review of current and future requirements for the McCain UK business, and will ensure we continue to be an efficient and customer-focused business that is fit for the future,” said a statement issued by the company.
It continued: “If the proposal is accepted, the site will continue production with approximately 150 roles ongoing. We remain committed to our operations in Grantham and the UK, and no other McCain sites are included in this proposal.
“The employees at our Grantham plant are loyal and hard-working, and it’s our priority now to ensure that every affected colleague is treated with fairness and respect, and given our full support through the consultation period.”
