The planned closure of Greggs' Seaham factory has sparked concern for the future for hundreds of workers.
The Gosforth-based bakery giant announced plans to close four sites over the next two-and-a-half years, including in Seaham, putting around 740 jobs at risk across the UK.
Easington MP Grahame Morris said: "The announcement from Greggs today will cause real anxiety for workers in Seaham.
"Greggs is a successful, growing business, and it is deeply worrying that loyal staff, many with decades of service, now face uncertainty in the name of “efficiency.
"The workers at Seaham have helped build Greggs into the national success story. They kept production going through restructures, rising demand and difficult years for the whole country. They should not simply be cast aside as the company moves into its next phase of growth.
"I recognise Greggs’ statement that no final decisions have been made, but consultation must be genuine. Every alternative to compulsory redundancies must be explored, including retaining work at existing sites, redeployment, retraining and questioning any move to shift production elsewhere.
"For Seaham, this is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet. These are people with mortgages to pay, families to support and a vital role in our local economy. The community deserves clarity, fairness and respect.
"I will be working closely with the Bakers’ Union and with Greggs to ensure that the voices of workers in Seaham are heard loud and clear. Growth should mean greater security for the workforce that delivered it, not fear about whether they still have a future in the business."
Greggs said the closures are part of a wider plan to consolidate its manufacturing operations.
The other affected factories are located in Enfield, London, near Penrith, and Kelso, Scotland.
The proposed changes will see parts of Greggs' manufacturing process relocated as the company looks to consolidate its operations.
The changes will cost the firm around £60m, including disruption costs and redundancy payments.
However, Greggs said the plans are expected to save around £20m across the 2028 and 2029 financial years.
Cllr Darren Grimes, Durham County Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “We are incredibly disappointed that Greggs is to begin consultation on the future of its factory in Seaham.
“Greggs is an important employer in the area, and our thoughts are very much with the people who work there, and their families, at this difficult time.
“We are currently seeking to confirm the number of County Durham residents whose jobs are at risks and the timeline for decisions on the future of the factory.
“Any closure of this scale will also impact on the wider East Durham community, which is still reeling following the announcement NSK plans to close its two Peterlee factories. The news also comes just weeks after Clayton Glass in Annfield Plain called in administrators and less than two months after Erwin Hymer Group confirmed production would cease at its Consett site.
“We will also continuing to lobby the Government and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority to invest in protecting existing jobs and industries in our area, and where job losses are unavoidable, to invest in the localised employment and skills support needed to ensure our residents find new roles following significant site closures such as this.”
The announcement came as the company revealed sales rose by 7.7 per cent in the three months to September 26 compared with the same period last year.
It said trading improved during the quarter following product launches and “more settled weather” in August and September.
The retailer said this represented progress despite “challenging market conditions”, with consumer finances continuing to come under pressure.
General Secretary of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU), Sarah Woolley, added: "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.
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"The 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.
"We will do everything within our power to fight for and protect jobs."
Greggs said its retail shops will not be affected by the changes.
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