Stuart Anderson MP is concerned that more than a hundred jobs could be lost after food manufacturer Kerry Group Plc launched a consultation on plans to close its plant on Boraston Lane in Burford.
The 'Ingredients and Flavours' site near Ludlow produces a range of flavoured syrups for the beverage market, fruit sauces for yoghurt and biscuit manufacturing, as well as ice cream sauces.
The global company has been a significant employer in the area for over fifty years but has told Bloomberg UK that higher ingredient costs have resulted from tariffs on imports into the US.
In the interview, the food producer said that the tariffs have raised the price of ingredients it uses in its supply of products to top brands.
The company, which is listed in Ireland, has almost half its business in the US. Stuart has written to the company to express his concerns and his support for any initiative that protects local jobs.
Stuart has said that all options must be explored in order to mitigate the impact of this decision on local communities in South Shropshire and beyond.
Stuart has also said that he and his team stand ready to support any constituents that are affected by the announcement. Stuart has subsequently updated his employment support webpage.
Stuart's employment support webpage contains useful information for those who want to find out more about their employment rights as well as those who are looking for opportunities to retrain or upskill.
This includes information on the Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service (Acas), which support help anyone who needs help determining their employment rights.
Acas also deals with questions from employers, individuals, and others about a wide range of employment relations matters and provide free and impartial advice.
As part of Stuart's wider plan for South Shropshire, he is seeking to support and enable the right economic environment for every business so that future job losses can be mitigated.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"I am concerned that more than a hundred jobs could be lost after food producer Kerry Group Plc launched a consultation on plans to close its plant on Boraston Lane in Burford. Kerry Group has been a significant employer in the area for over fifty years. The company has told Bloomberg UK that higher costs have resulted from tariffs on imports into the US, where half of its business is based. I know that this situation will be worrying for many local families who have relatives that work there. I stand ready to support any initiative that protects local jobs and supports those affected. I believe that all options must be explored to mitigate the impact of this decision on our local communities. My team and I are also happy to support anyone who is affected by this decision. I have updated my support page on my website with useful information on employment rights and opportunities for those looking to retrain or upskill."
Stuart's employment support webpage can be accessed at www.stuartanderson.org.uk/employment-support.
