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• No second class treatment for London's bus workers, demands Unite
• Workers spread their message ‘Hands off our pensions’ at charity walk sponsored by Unilever
• Unite strikes a deal with Burton’s Foods over the future of Moreton
• Unite reaction to Dupont’s proposed changes for UK pensions
• Unite's reaction to job cuts at steel giant Tata's long products division
• Recycling the prime minister's Big Society 'mirage'
• Unite cautiously welcomes news on privatisation of blood service

Unite strikes a deal with Burton’s Foods over the future of Moreton

20 May 2011

After months of extensive negotiations Unite has secured a deal with Burton’s Foods on the future of the biscuit factory in Moreton.

Unite regional officer Ritchie James said: "We believe we got the best possible outcome for our members in terms of sustainable jobs and enhanced terms for those being made redundant.  The retention of the chocolate refinery and some 60 jobs that would have otherwise have been lost will be kept on the Moreton site.

"The plan to invest £2.8 million of capital investment into the plant will future proof job security for as long as can reasonably be expected. And a further 58 possible Tupe posts for those workers wishing to transfer to the new Liverpool site.
 
“However, it is disappointing and upsetting that we have not succeeded in saving the whole site and the 219 jobs that will be lost. This is just the latest in a series of disappointments for the workforce and devastating new for its community.

“I would like to personally thank the workforce and Unite reps for their hard work throughout the negotiations and the people of Merseyside who backed the campaign. Our members continued to behave in a very dignified fashion despite months of uncertainty.

“It is our aim now to work with Wirral borough council to develop the site and create new job opportunities for a fantastic workforce.

Under the deal between Unite and Burtons it was agreed: 

• The chocolate refinery will remain at Moreton and the jobs of 60 workers will be secure with the plan to invest a £2.8 million of capital investment in the plant.
• 219 jobs will be lost as a result of the closure.
• In addition 58 possible Tupe transfers attached to the production of seasonal assortments biscuits at the Moreton site will be transferred to the new plant in Liverpool.
• The closure date of the site will now be moved from 2 November 2011 to 2 December 2011. 

ENDS

For further information please contact Karen Viquerat on 07768 931316 or Ritchie James on 07736 171546