Usdaw takes action as Bridgend and Blaydon dairies shut down

Receivers are today shutting down the Dairy Farmers of Britain’s Bridgend and Blaydon dairies, just two days after the equally sudden closure of the Lincoln dairy.

Usdaw will be seeking a protective award for its members at all three sites, which have been shut down without consultation, affecting up to 279 employees at the Bridgend site, over 200 in Blaydon and 150 at Lincoln.

If the claims succeed the Employment Tribunal has the power to award redundant staff compensation of up to 90 days’ pay.

However, the Union is pleased that a deal has been reached with Milk Link to take over operations at the Llandyrnog creamery in North Wales, securing all jobs at the site.

Dairy Farmers of Britain was taken over by the receivers, Price Waterhouse Coopers, last week. The dairy operated a number of sites across the UK.

John Gorle, Usdaw National Officer, stated:

“We are again appalled and frustrated at the receivers’ decision to close the Bridgend and Blaydon dairies as well as the Lincoln site without consultation. All our members are understandably devastated.

“In law, the receivers are required to undertake 90 days’ consultation for a closure of this size. That is why we are seeking a protective award against Price Waterhouse Coopers.

“We are demanding urgent talks with the receivers to discuss the best way forward for all our members.”

Notes to Editors:

• Contacts for newsdesks: Usdaw’s Media Officer, Cherry Hamilton, can be contacted on 0161 249 2469 or e-mail cherry.hamilton@usdaw.org.uk
• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK’s fourth biggest trade union, with over 372,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.
• Subscribe/unsubscribe to Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service at: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/site/email.html

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