Family-run bakery says four shops to stay closed

FAMILY-RUN Jenkins Bakery has announced the closure of four of its shops in its portfolio of 30 outlets from Carmarthen to Bridgend.

Currently, the business employs nearly 300 people, with a factory unit and headquarters based in Trostre, Llanelli.

Operations director Russell Jenkins said: “The coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has thrown up an unprecedented chain of circumstances and, like many other businesses up and down the land, we have been forced to review our operations and make changes.

“The changes and closures announced by other businesses have been widely publicised in recent weeks. There are few businesses which have come out of these unprecedented times unscathed.

“Regrettably, we have taken the decision that four of our shops – The Arcade, Ammanford; Parkway at Sketty Park, Swansea; No 6 Market Precinct in Llanelli; and Sospan at 23 Stepney Street, Llanelli – will not be reopening.

“We have, of course, entered into a lengthy consultation period with staff and, where possible, we have been able to redeploy staff into other areas of the business.”

The bakery has, since the start of the lifting of restrictions, been gradually reopening shops throughout the firm’s retail estate.

“Our approach has been a deliberately cautious and sensible one as, at all times, we want to make sure everyone in the process – from production workers, delivery workers, suppliers, retail staff and our much-valued customers – are kept safe and well throughout,” said Mr Jenkins.

Staff at Jenkins Bakery received a letter from general manager Richard Mynott, in which he said: “Although we continue to be happy with the progress of the shops that we have reopened, given the current trading circumstances, we have been reviewing the situation with regard to the location of shops and particularly those which are in close proximity to one another.”

Mr Jenkins added: “Whilst as a company we are extremely saddened at having to take the decision not to reopen four shops, we feel that it is a necessary action to ensure that all locations remain viable.

“We have discussed the matter with staff and we are now in the course of informing the public about the decision.

“Notices will be posted to explain where people can find their nearest Jenkins Bakery shops.”