‘Clear answers’ call

Unite, which represents over 300 hundred workers at Ambrosia’s factory in Lifton south Devon, is seeking urgent answers following yesterday’s (November 13) announcement that the owners Premier Foods is seeking a buyer for the business.

Despite announcing it is looking to sell the factory, Premier Foods has also said that if a buyer cannot be found the company will continue to operate the site.

Unite is concerned about the lack of consultation there has been with the workforce prior to the announcement and that no time limit has been given in seeking a buyer. Unite also wants assurances that if a buyer is found that proper due diligence is undertaken and the factory will only be sold to a company committed to its long-term future.

The union is also seeking assurances about jobs whether or not the factory is sold.

Unite will be meeting with the factory’s managing director Steve Pretty this Friday (November 16).

“Premier Foods’ announcement has placed our members in limbo, they don’t know if the factory will be sold and whether they will even have a job in the future,” said Unite regional officer Mark Richards.

“It is imperative that Premier Foods provides clear answers to begin to reduce the genuine anxiety being experienced by our members.

“Workers need the reassurance that the factory will not be sold by Premier Foods to an asset stripper looking to make a quick profit and that any new owner is required to provide cast iron commitments on the factory’s long term future,”he added.

“Workers also need answers on whether there will be a time limit on finding a buyer so they can at least know when their future will be decided.”