First Milk plans to cut 30 jobs at two of its creameries

First Milk has entered into a 30-day consultation with employees over plans to shed 30 jobs from its Lake District and Haverfordwest creameries.

The Glasgow-headquartered farmers’ cooperative said the proposed changes would improve the productivity and efficiency of the sites.

Chief executive Shelagh Hancock said the dairy firm had invested £40 million in the Lake District and Haverfordwest creameries in the past five years.

“These investments will continue, as the amount of cheese that we are manufacturing will increase next year and is forecast to grow further in the future in line with demand from our customer base,” she said.

Ms Hancock added that the company was focused on improving the strength, efficiency and flexibility of its main manufacturing sites and making its assets work harder.

“The proposed changes would result in a reduction in headcount numbers, and it is proposed that around 20 roles are removed from the site structure at the Lake District creamery, with around 10 roles being removed at our Haverfordwest creamery,” she said.

“We recognise that the impact of these proposed changes is significant for the people affected and we are committed to treating people with respect and consideration as we move through a 30-day consultation period.

“At our manufacturing sites our specific focus is on driving more for less – producing consistent good quality cheese, while concentrating on high productivity and factory optimisation.

“These changes are part of delivering this strategy.”

First Milk said it had briefed trade unions on the plans and would work with them.