BFAWU statement on proposed Gregg’s manufacturing changes

The BFAWU is deeply concerned by today’s announcement from Greggs, which places hundreds of workers and their livelihoods at risk as part of proposed changes to the company’s manufacturing network.

Our immediate priority is our members, their jobs, their families and the communities that could be affected by these proposals.

Greggs is clear in its own announcement that the business continues to perform strongly, that more customers are choosing Greggs than ever before, and that it is investing significantly to support further growth. Against that backdrop, our members will understandably be asking why their jobs and livelihoods should now be put at risk in the name of efficiency and future progression.

The workers affected by these proposals have played a huge part in getting Greggs to where it is today.

They have worked through enormous changes within the business, increased demand, restructuring and the challenges of recent years. They have produced the food, packed the products and kept the operation moving while Greggs has expanded from just over 2,100 shops in 2021 to almost 2,800 today.

They cannot simply be dropped like stones as the company moves on to its next phase of growth.

We recognise that Greggs has stated that no final decisions have been made and that a consultation process will now take place. BFAWU will be entering that process determined to scrutinise these proposals in full, challenge the business case where necessary and explore every possible alternative to compulsory redundancies and site closures.

That must include examining opportunities for retaining work at affected sites, redeployment, retraining and alternative roles, as well as questioning decisions to move work elsewhere or source products from external suppliers where that threatens existing Greggs jobs.

We will do everything within our power to protect jobs.

For the communities affected, these are not simply numbers on a spreadsheet. These are people with mortgages and rents to pay, families to support and years in many cases decades of service to Greggs. The proposed closure of workplaces also has a much wider impact on local communities and economies.

Growth and investment should provide greater security and opportunity for the workforce that helped create that success, not leave those workers wondering whether they still have a future in the business.

BFAWU will be working closely with our members and representatives throughout the consultation process. We will ensure their voices are heard loudly and clearly, and we expect Greggs to engage with us meaningfully and genuinely consider alternatives put forward as they have historically.

Our message to our members affected by today’s announcement is simple: you are not facing this alone. Your union will stand alongside you, and we will fight