Thursday 16 November
I spoke to the Plant Director of JDE Banbury Edward Tansill this morning following Tuesday’s disappointing news that redundancies are to be made at the factory.
JDE has a long history in our town, employing many generations of families since the factory first opened in 1964. For some time now, the plant has been the least competitive JDE facility. However, Ed explained to me that the proposals to shift the focus to coffee packaging will help ensure that Banbury remains a key site within the JDE estate.
It is clearly important that all associates who are facing the prospect of redundancy have the opportunity to have their views heard and are offered support as they seek to find alternative employment. Ed assured me that a range of measures will be in place to support associates throughout the consultation process, which will start on 28 November and will run for a minimum period of 45 days. Both elected representatives and Unite the Union’s Joint Negotiation and Consultation Committee will be involved throughout. I understand that the initial redundancy package to be proposed is generous, offering well above the statutory level.
I know this will be an extremely difficult time for associates and their families. I made it clear to Ed that they must be given as much support as possible so that they have a clear plan and alternative job opportunities are identified quickly. We are fortunate to have a very active Jobcentre in the town who I know will be happy to assist if necessary. JDE have also said that they will host a Jobs Fair with local employers, many of whom I am sure will be interested in the skillset of the associates currently working at the plant.
I remain disappointed about the decision but know that it has not been taken lightly. My conversation with the Plant Director left me feeling reassured that he will do what he can to make the transition as smooth as possible for all those affected. If anyone has specific concerns, please do get in touch with me directly via [email protected].
Tuesday 14 November
I have been made aware this morning that redundancies are to be made at the Jacob Douwe Egberts site in Banbury in February next year. I know this will not have been an easy decision for the management to come to, but JDE like many other companies are faced with having to adapt to some of the challenges associated with rapid advances in technology.
While this has come as disappointing news given how important the factory is to our town, no official decision has been made at this point. I understand that all associates have been briefed today and a consultation will be launched at the end of the month. It is important that all associates facing the possibility of redundancy participate and make their views known. I know that JDE will be carefully listening to concerns throughout this difficult process.
I will be speaking to the Plant Director later this week to discuss their plans in better detail. I will update constituents when I have more information to share and anyone affected can get in touch with me at [email protected].
