Usdaw seeks protective award as receivers close dairy

Usdaw is seeking a protective award for its members, after receivers closed the Dairy Farmers of Britain’s Lincoln dairy on Wednesday without consultation, affecting up to 150 employees.

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

Dairy Farmers of Britain was taken over by the receivers, Price Waterhouse Coopers, last week. The dairy operated four sites across the UK; three dairies at Blaydon, Bridgend and Lincoln and a cheese factory Llandyrnog.

John Gorle, Usdaw National Officer, stated:

“We are appalled at the receivers’ decision to close the Lincoln dairy without consultation. The members are understandably devastated.

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

“We are also very concerned that the other sites will be shut down in a similar way. So we are seeking 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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