Sweet factory closure plan puts jobs at risk

The Pontefract site specialises in the production of sweets including jelly beans and coconut mushrooms

More than 130 jobs are at risk after a confectionery company behind popular sweet brands such as Barratt and Poppets announced plans to close its site in Pontefract.

Valeo Foods UK said production at the factory would be moved to alternative sites and operations would be wound down over the next 12 months.

Its chief executive Kevin Moore said "every possible option to continue manufacturing at the site was carefully reviewed" and the decision had not been "taken lightly".

He said the priority was to support "affected colleagues" and it was "committed to managing the wind down responsibly and fairly".

The company said 196 people were employed at the Pontefract site and the number of roles at risk of redundancy was 134.

The decision followed a review designed to "improve operational efficiency and support the continued growth of its portfolio of market-leading brands," it said.

Nearly 200 people are employed at the Pontefract site

Mr Moore added: "The level of investment needed to make the site competitive and sustainable long-term was found to be unviable, particularly given its proximity to other Valeo facilities in the UK."

The company said collective consultation had taken place with employees and unions and discussions would continue "on an individual basis regarding relocation, redundancy and outplacement support".

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