Supermarket Chain Morrisons Reverses Decision Amid Union Talks
- Morrisons reverses decision to close Rathbones bakery in Wakefield
- Partial operations to focus on specialist products like crumpets and pancakes
- 270 workers accept voluntary redundancy, 138 staff retained
- Rathbones expected to remain lossmaking until 2027
Morrisons has decided to keep its Rathbones bakery in Wakefield partially operational after initially planning to close the site entirely. The supermarket chain will scale back operations, focusing on specialist products like crumpets, pancakes, rolls, and pittas. Following a strategic review, 270 workers accepted voluntary redundancy while 138 staff members will be retained, with plans for further recruitment. Despite the bakery remaining lossmaking until 2027, Morrisons aims to break even by 2027. The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) praised the constructive discussions that led to the decision.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Morrisons’ decision to keep Rathbones bakery partially operational, details about the changes in production, the number of retained staff, and the involvement of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union. It also mentions the history of the bakery and previous speculations about a potential acquisition by Hovis.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Morrisons’ decision to keep Rathbones bakery partially operational and includes quotes from a spokesperson and the BFAWU general secretary. It also mentions the reasons behind the decision and its potential impact on employees. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of long-term trends or consequences.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Morrisons’ decision to keep its Rathbones bakery partially operational and scale back operations, impacting 138 staff members. It also mentions the supermarket chain’s plan to source sliced bread from an external supplier instead. This is relevant to financial topics as it involves a company’s business strategy and workforce changes.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article, but the decision to partially close and restructure Rathbones bakery has some impact on the employees and the local economy.
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