Up to 74 jobs at risk as McCain unveil proposals
Firm could lose 10 per cent of employees
A total of 74 jobs are under threat at McCain Foods after the firm informed its employees of proposed changes to operations in Scarborough. Subject to consultation, the changes to the dry and cold store operations is likely to affect 74 hourly paid and salaried positions –about 10% of the total employees at the Havers Hill site.
Bill Bartlett, corporate affairs director for McCain Foods, said: “Built over 45 years ago, the cold store at the McCain Scarborough site is coming to the end of its serviceable life and no longer remains economically viable to maintain and operate.
“To ensure the long-term sustainability of the overall facilities at Scarborough, and following a review of both cold and dry store requirements on site, the company proposes, subject to consultation, to close the Scarborough stores in their current format over the coming months and outsource its requirements to third party expertise.
“While it is proposed that some roles will remain, as part of an integrated stores operation, the company is entering into consultation with employees, as it is believed these positions will be at a much reduced level.”
Mr Bartlett confirmed the affected parties will have the option of professional help and guidance.
He said: “During the consultation, all employees will continue to be treated with fairness and respect.
“McCain will offer professional advice and guidance to those affected, including access to an outplacement programme to assist in identifying alternative employments.
“McCain will continue to explore possible opportunitiestoupdatethemanufacturing capacity of its Scarborough site, to meet increasing demand for our products.
“This proposal may also present options to alleviate some of the space constraints within the site.” Cllr Vanda Inman, whose vote swung the historic Futurist decision in favour of demolition by 22 v 21 rather than 21 v 22 against, has resigned from the Labour group. She was only Labour councillor to vote to demolish. Following a meeting where the whip was suspended for three months she resigned.