Andy Burnham leads protest outside McVitie’s factory over plans to cut almost 160 jobs

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham led a protest outside the McVitie’s factory in Stockport against plans to cut almost 160 jobs.

He was joined by union members, Stockport Council leader Elise WIlson as well as MP Navendu Mishra who said the move would be “reprehensible”, the Manchester Evening news reported.

The protest, which took place outside the UK’s only chocolate refinery on Wednesday, May 4, came after owner Pladis confirmed plans to cut 159 jobs in March.

READ MORE: Almost 160 jobs at risk at McVities’ Manchester factory

Currently, a total of 470 jobs are based at the plant.

Mr Mishra said: “Cutting jobs during a cost of living crisis is as shocking as it is reprehensible, and I hope the company engages with Unite the Union and USDAW to find a solution which preserves the working future of this iconic Stockport institution.

“Whilst their bills are rising, workers deserve more than anxiety about the instability of their future.

“I am also very concerned that these proposals will see thousands of extra miles being travelled by diesel tankers at a time when we should be prioritising tackling the climate crisis.

“Similarly, whilst there is universal agreement that we need to level up the North, Pladis’ plan to offshore these jobs will do the opposite.

“We need more high-skilled, unionised jobs, not fewer. These proposals don’t benefit anyone.”

Mayor Andy Burnham added it was the ‘wrong move at the wrong time’. The Manchester Evening News understands that there are fears the plan is the ‘beginning of the end’ of McVitie’s biscuit production in Greater Manchester.

In response, a Pladis spokesperson said: “We understand this is a very difficult time for our team in Manchester. Our Manchester factory remains an important part of our UK business and our priority is to provide employees with the on-going support they need as we carry out this consultation.

“Pladis is the proud custodian of some of the world’s best-loved snacking brands and we believe strongly in their enduring consumer appeal.

“But, like many other businesses, we are grappling with new and growing external pressures. We must, therefore, review and consider appropriate steps to safeguard the future of our whole business.”