Halt plant closure call

Unite and GMB have written to the independent directors of Britvic plc and copied to the company calling on them to meet community and workforce representatives and halt the proposed closure of the Norwich site.

The unions want the independent directors to hear first-hand from workers and the community their concerns for jobs in their community and the local economy.

Robinsons has been produced in Norwich for 92 years and is worth ÂŁ38m in goodwill to Britvic and – along with Colmans – is synonymous with Norwich.

The unions have raised a number of concerns about the consultation process, many of which remain unanswered, and have asked for them to be raised in Parliament as well.

The letter has been sent to Ian McHoul, senior independent director and independent non-executive directors Sue Clark, Ben Gordon and Euan Sutherland.

Unite national officer for food and drink Julia Long said, “Britvic needs to come forward with full answers to our members’ concerns about the reasoning for the closure proposal – it should not be forgotten that 240 jobs are at stake.

“There has been no meaningful consultation by the company to date, even though the announcement was made on 3 October.

“Unite has very serious concerns that the legal process is not being followed in an open and transparent manner, hence the letter to the independent directors,” she added. “The company bosses need to talk to the unions, the workforce and the local community.

“Our membership deserve better than this from a company for whom they have worked hard to earn good profits for Britvic over many years.

“We are going to campaign strongly so that Britvic remains in Norwich and the closure proposal is reversed. Norwich can ill-afford to lose this number of jobs.”