Jobs at risk at laundry
WORKERS THOUGHT JOBS WERE SAFE AFTER COMPANY ANNOUNCED NEW CONTRACT WITH MANCHESTER UNITED
AROUND 250 jobs are set to be lost with the proposed closure of a laundry factory – despite workers being told they were safe because the firm had landed a lucrative contract with Manchester United just weeks ago.
The Berendsen site in Mossley, Tameside, is part of a nationwide company specialising in hospitality services. It provides and cleans napkins and tablecloths and other items used at weddings and conferences.
The firm is based in Squire Mill, on Micklehurst Road, and employs around 100 permanent staff and 150 agency workers.
A worker told the M.E.N. staff have been issued with a letter provisionally confirming they will be made redundant in 30 days.
Formerly called the Davis Service Group, the company changed its name to Berendsen PLC in 2011.
In September last year French laundry services group, Elis, completed a takeover.
A worker, who asked not to be named, said: “We were told when Elis took over that our jobs would be secure. In January, a senior manager told 200 or so staff we were going to get a contract with Manchester United which would mean at least the permanent workers’ jobs would be safe.”
The letter to staff said management would consult staff representatives on possible ways of saving the factory – and if it does close, attempts will be made to redeploy workers.
But it adds that the proposed closure is due to poor financial performance at the Mossley factory for several years. It is understood staff at other Berendsen sites will fulfil the United deal.
The staff member added: “We had been told that the United contract was due to start in April.
“This will have a huge effect on the community. Workers have booked holidays and have mortgages to pay. Some staff were in tears. There are whole families employed here.
“It will also hit the local economy – local pubs and shops used by the workforce. It is normally a 24-hour operation with day and night staff.
“The nearest Berendsen factory is in Chorley, which is 40 miles away, so redeployment will be difficult, if not impossible, for many.”
A spokesman for United confirmed that the company is currently a supplier to the club.
The M.E.N. asked bosses at Mossley factory and the headquarters in Basingstoke for comment.