Daniel Adams - Usdaw National Officer says: “While Usdaw recognises the ongoing challenges within the dairy sector, this news is a devastating blow for a loyal and hardworking workforce.
 
“Despite extensive interrogation of the company’s business case by the trade union, including exploring all alternatives to closure during collective consultations at a national level, we were sadly unable to persuade the company to maintain its operation in Foston.
 
“The union, however, has continued to work tirelessly through the collective consultation process to secure as good a deal as possible for those at risk of redundancy. Through the efforts of our local and national reps, we have managed to agree  enhanced redundancy terms and additional  payments at the point of closure for those made redundant, as well as pay protection and relocation support for those that secure alternative roles within Müller.
 
“We are also continuing to look at retraining opportunities to be provided and funded by the company as well as utilising the expertise of the Usdaw’s Lifelong Learning Team. Our reps and officials are continuing to provide support and advice to our members at this very difficult time.”
 
Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 410,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. 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