JDE Banbury coffee factory workers 'gobsmacked' by announcement

The decision to close part of a coffee factory and potentially put 280 workers at risk of redundancy left employees "gobsmacked", a union leader has said.

Jacob Douwe Egberts (JDE) in Banbury, Oxfordshire, has proposed making it purely a packing facility.

Mick Pollek, Unite's regional officer, said: "We've been in mid-pay talks... so this has come out of the blue. It's a total, total shock."

JDE said all other possibilities "were rigorously assessed".

The new proposals put about 250 roles at risk of redundancy in manufacturing and 30 in the research and development department.

Mr Pollek told the BBC workers had "no indication whatsoever" and were "really devastated at how dramatic and drastic" the plans were.

He added: "We were looking to build on the agreement we came to earlier on during the pandemic to develop the site to 'boldly go forward'.

"We've had the rug pulled out from under our feet."

He asked that JDE "at least give us a chance" and return to the negotiating table.

He called the company a "phenomenal, prominent player in the town, and to turn it into a packaging centre is devastating".

A JDE spokesman said: "Banbury has long been associated with coffee and we are proud that there will be a continued presence in the town."

He said the decision had "not been taken lightly" and "in no way" reflected the "hard work and dedication of all who work at Banbury".

In a statement, Banbury MP Victoria Prentis said she was "disappointed" at the decision but felt "reassured" after discussions with plant director Edward Tansill on Thursday.

She said: "JDE has a long history in our town, employing many generations of families since the factory first opened in 1964.

"For some time now, the plant has been the least competitive JDE facility.

"However, Ed explained to me that the proposals to shift the focus to coffee packaging will help ensure that Banbury remains a key site within the JDE estate."

She added: "I know this will be an extremely difficult time for associates and their families.

"I made it clear to Ed that they must be given as much support as possible so that they have a clear plan and alternative job opportunities are identified quickly."

She said the local Jobcentre would be "happy to assist if necessary", and that JDE was also hosting a jobs fair with local employers.

Consultations over the proposals will start on 28 November for a minimum of 45 days.

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