2 Sisters Food to slash 200 jobs at chicken facility in Scotland
The company stated that the Coupar Angus plant has been making substantial losses due to falling con…The company stated that the Coupar Angus plant has been making substantial losses due to falling consumer demand, adding that there is an oversupply of chicken in the market.
A 45-day consultation has started and the job cuts would occur in 2014, following which there will be some changes in shift patterns and working hours for the remaining workers. The facility currently employs 658 people.
2 Sisters said, "Today we are setting out a rescue plan for Scotland that will help secure the viability of the poultry industry and give us a better opportunity for future growth and success.
"Taking no action would put the future of our industry in Scotland at serious risk.
Unite regional industrial officer Dougie Maguire said, "There has been no consultation with management or even a suggestion that cuts were in the pipeline - it's a stunning development and particularly so soon after the Vion buyout."
The company gained control of the Coupar Angus from Vion in March. It purchased 11 processing facilities, when the Dutch firm said it was withdrawing UK operations to focus on the Netherlands and Germany.
2 Sisters operates 49 sites in the UK, Ireland, Holland and Poland, and has about 24,000 staff.
