Morrisons Bakery Closure in West Yorkshire Could Affect 400 Jobs

Morrisons is planning to close its bakery in West Yorkshire, a move that could lead to nearly 400 workers being made redundant. The supermarket chain, which ranks as the UK’s fifth largest, announced it has initiated a consultation process regarding the possible closure of its Rathbones own-label bakery operation located in Wakefield, citing a “thorough review” as the reason. Since its acquisition by a private equity firm in 2021, unions have criticized the Bradford-based company, alleging it is throwing “workers on the scrapheap.” This action is expected to jeopardize the employment of 378 individuals currently working at the facility. Morrisons acquired the bakery business out of administration in 2005, but stated that achieving profitability has been challenging “after a period of growth and investment.” According to a spokesman, the business has been operating at a loss “for a number of years.” The spokesman added: “Although we have tried several routes to return the business to profitability, none have been successful.” The spokesman further stated: “We will do everything we can to help those colleagues affected, including investigating whether there are any other suitable roles elsewhere in the group.” The Wakefield site represents the supermarket chain’s sole dedicated bakery. Nevertheless, Morrisons, which is under the ownership of US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, confirmed that its 450 in-store bakeries would remain unaffected by the proposed closure. The company is reportedly exploring alternatives to continue producing certain baked breakfast items, including muffins and croissants, at the facility, a measure that might preserve some positions. Morrisons indicated it is “considering all alternative options […] on how we could change our current business model and safeguard as many jobs as possible.” Sarah Woolley, general secretary of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, commented: “Since Morrisons were bought out by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in 2021 we have seen the traditional cycle of private equity firm behaviour post-takeover that throws workers on the scrapheap without even a glance back.” She added: “They have asset stripped Morrisons, with our members now bearing the brunt of their mismanagement with this short-sighted decision to close the site.” Woolley further stated: “This treatment of people is plain wrong and unfair on the hundreds of people who work at the site and who have had their lives turned upside down by this decision.”