Over 280 jobs are at risk after coffee company Jacob Douwe-Egberts (JDE) announced in November proposals to close part of its factory in Banbury, Oxfordshire, writes Hajera Blagg.
JDE has proposed closing the production and R&D parts of the site, with plans to move the work to Germany and the Netherlands. Under the proposals, the site in Banbury would remain as a packing facility and would maintain 134 jobs. Just as Landworker went to print, a 45-day consultation period over the proposals began.
Unite senior shop steward Mark Blee told Landworker that the news came as a huge shock to the workforce.
“The morning the announcement was made, we were called to a venue off- site,” he said. “As a senior shop steward, I was called to the venue first thing in the morning when we were told the news. But we had no inkling before. I serve on the European Works Council as well but even at that level
there was no warning. Nobody expected it.” Days later, Mark said many workers, especially newer employees, are still shocked and worried about the future.
“We’ve got people who’ve been working here for a few months, who have big mortgages, very young children, who are going to walk away with next to nothing,” he said. “They’re panicking, wondering how they’re going to put food on the table.”
Mark noted that even for those workers who are approaching retirement, the news has left a bitter taste.
“Although many of us can understand the business case – energy bills are through the roof and it takes a lot of energy to produce coffee – we’re still deeply disappointed that it’s come to this,” he said.
“Some people have been working at the factory their entire adult lives – some for even 40 years. Personally, my
grandparents moved from Birmingham to work at the factory when it first opened so I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the factory. It’s the end of a way of life really.
Despite the devastating news, Mark said he was proud of the way Unite members are pulling together to help each other.
“We’ve got fantastic support from our regional and national officers, and on a local level, our team of reps are talking to members day in and day out, helping them get through what is a dreadful time.”
Unite national officer Paul Travers said that upon entering the consultation period, Unite “will leave no stone unturned in seeking alternative plans that are less damaging than the ones put forward. If jobs do have to go, we will ensure our members’ best interests are the priority, including negotiating against compulsory redundancies and for the best possible severance packages.”
9 uniteLANDWORKER Winter 2023/24
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