The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Potato packing jobs on Tayside to be axed
Blow for workforce as supermarket Morrisons prepares to move work to sites in England
Tayside has been dealt a major jobs blow as supermarket giant Morrisons confirmed plans to axe dozens of jobs at a potato packing facility in Carnoustie.
The firm has started a consultation process with its Angus workforce as it plans to reduce its staff of 47 to 10 and move work to England.
Morrisons acquired the potato packing business at Clayholes Farm from Farmcare in January 2017.
It now intends to change the site to a grading and storage facility and move its potato packing operation to sites in Gadbrook and Rushden.
Morrisons said its Balmachie Road operation was “no longer viable”.
A letter issued to the workforce stated: “Over the last three years, the business has made a significant investment in manufacturing capabilities, technology and facilities, which has enabled a significant increase in our packing capacity. As part of our regular review process our Carnoustie packing operation is no longer viable.
“This takes into account the investment required in machinery and options for carrying out the activity in other sites. Therefore we’re proposing to make some changes.
“Should the proposals go ahead, it would mean that the packing of potatoes for Morrisons would cease at Carnoustie and that this would relocate to Gadbrook and Rushden.”
The company said it would consult with union Usdaw and consider “all alternatives” to prevent compulsory redundancies.
It is understood the mass redundancies are due to take place on November 8.
The letter to the workforce added: “We appreciate that these are incredibly difficult decisions, yet necessary to make sure our team structures are right for now and for the future, making us simpler and more efficient.
“We will keep you and your colleagues updated on the progress of the consultation process on a regular basis over the coming weeks.”
Independent Carnoustie councillor Brian Boyd said the news was a “massive blow” for the town.
He added: “It’s devastating news and the last thing that the workers need in the run-up to Christmas.”
The long-established potato packing operation at Clayholes Farm has been operated before by Co-operatives Farm and Heather Prepack.
A Morrisons spokesperson said: “We are proposing that our site at Carnoustie would continue as a potato procurement, grading and storage facility and potato packing will end as this is no longer viable. We will now consult with staff and their representatives about the change.”
It’s devastating news and the last thing that workers need in the run-up to Christmas. COUNCILLOR BRIAN BOYD