The Yorkshire-based pork supplier Karro Food confirmed that it had taken the decision to terminate slaughter and butchery operations at its Wiveliscombe slaughterhouse in Somerset, putting 93 jobs at risk.
It stated it intended to retain 38 jobs at the site, 20 more than originally proposed when it began discussions in July. The roles would be kept at the business’ curing and foodservice sales operations, which would continue at the Wiveliscombe site, it said.
“This has been a very difficult decision and has been taken only after extensive consultation with Unite and site employees, during which we exhausted all other options,” said Seamus Carr, Karro Foods ceo, in a statement.
“Unfortunately, our Wiveliscombe slaughter and butchery operation did not have the necessary scale to operate profitably, and so proceeding with these changes was critical to ensure our continued viability and growth, and safeguard other jobs across our business.”
The company had offered all staff that have been laid off the opportunity to transfer to one of its other sites, said Carr.
Karro Foods was providing affected employees with continuing training and support to assist them in finding replacement work, he added. “We have worked hard to support impacted employees through this process and try to mitigate the impact on them wherever possible.”
