The cluck stops here

Clarity on the future of turkey producers Bernard Matthews and its 2,000-strong workforce has been called for by Unite today (June 30).

The union said that it was ‘a worrying time’ for employees, after the owners, Rutland Partners appointed PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to look for possible buyers.

Unite, which represents about 450 of the 2,000-strong workforce, will be raising its concerns with management at the company’s Great Witchingham headquarters in Norfolk on Friday, July 15.

“It is a worrying time for our members and we will be seeking clarity on what this means for the company and the workers when we meet management on Friday 15 July,” said Unite regional officer Steve Harley.

“Unite recognises that Bernard Matthews is in a very competitive marketplace with profit margins being squeezed,” he added. “This issue is one for the management’s marketing and sales team to address as a matter of urgency.

“Our members are dedicated and hardworking, and have contributed to the company’s long-standing success with its iconic name – and Unite will do everything possible to support them during this period of uncertainty.”

Unite’s members are based at the producing  sites at Great Witchingham and Holton in Suffolk, as well as the animal food mill at Bawsey, near King’s Lynn.