Threat to Jacob’s Cream Crackers as factory staff start ‘permanent strike’ over pay

Workers at a Jacob’s factory which makes a host of festive season staples have started an indefinite strike.

The GMB union said that more than 750 staff at the plant in Liverpool were stepping up their fight for better pay after taking limited industrial action since September.

The factory, which produces Jacob’s Cream Crackers, Twiglets and Club bars, were said to be seeking a pay rise in line with inflation to help them navigate the cost of living crisis.

The demand is being echoed in many sectors of the economy as the rate of inflation runs at its highest level for 40 years, squeezing family budgets.

The union claimed that owner Pladis had walked away from talks and sought to “undermine” the workforce on Merseyside by shifting cracker production to Portugal.

The company, which owns the United and McVitie’s brands, was yet to comment.

Unite national officer Eamon O’Hearn said: “These workers are rightly angry – they put themselves on the line to keep the company going during the pandemic.

“Now they need some help to get them through the cost of living crisis, but it’s falling on deaf ears.

“Jacob’s workers will now be on strike 24 hours a day, seven days a week until the company comes back to the negotiating table.”