Daniel Adams, Usdaw National Officer says: “The company’s announcement to diversify cheese production and improve efficiencies comes following a significant contract loss as margins in the dairy sector continue to be pressed. The result of this drive for lower prices is seen in the drastic action Arla now believes it needs to take and the devastating impact this will have on staff affected by the proposals.

“Usdaw and our reps will now enter into a period of consultation with the company, looking at alternatives to save jobs and to provide as much protection as possible to our members.”

Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with around 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 28% over the decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion