Jobs at risk as Gloucestershire poultry plant closure announced

Over the years the Newent site has provided chicken for popular restaurants such as Nando's

More than 300 jobs are at risk as poultry firm Avara has proposed closing down its Newent factory.

Avara said the decision comes after facing significant inflationary pressure over the past two years.

It hopes the closure will result in fewer, better-invested facilities and more efficient production.

Company bosses said the decision is no reflection on their hard-working employees in Newent. The factory is now scheduled to close in Spring 2024.

Avara Foods is one of the UK's largest food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to supermarkets and restaurant chains across the country.

It announced a proposal on 17 October, which will impact all 320 members of staff based at the site.

Rising costs

It said inflation had impacted the cost of fuel, commodities, and labour over the past two years.

In a statement bosses said while some price increases have been achieved, it has not been enough to mitigate the full impact of rising costs.

"These can only be achieved if inflation can be sufficiently offset and that, in turn, demands excellent productivity and efficiency.

"Avara has taken steps already in this regard, including the recent closure of its Abergavenny facility.

"However, it has recognized the need to take further actions to continue to deliver a fifth of UK-produced chicken every week, through the most efficient operational footprint," the statement continued.

The company will begin a collective consultation process in the coming days with the individuals affected by the closure.

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