Melton Mowbray: Nearly 170 jobs at risk at Revolution Kitchen

Samworth Brothers says it is consulting on the future of the Pate Road site but has yet to make any decisions

Nearly 170 jobs are at risk as a food manufacturer considers closing one of its factories.

Samworth Brothers, which supplies major supermarkets and has brands including Ginsters, is consulting on the closure of its Revolution Kitchen site in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

The factory, in Pate Road, makes vegan food and works with chains including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's.

The firm said a consultation was under way but no decisions had yet been made.

It said 169 individuals were affected, and added, in a statement: "We very much regret that we are consulting with colleagues regarding the potential closure of our Revolution Kitchen site... no decisions have been made as yet.

"In the event of a closure, it is hoped there will be opportunities for a good number of individuals to redeploy to one of our many other sites in the Leicestershire area."

Sir David Samworth, who founded the company with his brother John, died last year, aged 87.

Last year the group was reported to have a £1.4bn turnover and employ more than 11,500 people.

Sarah Woolley, general secretary of the Bakers' Union, said: "Our Unionise Samworth Brothers campaign is aiming to give workers a voice, a fair day's wage and security in their workplace - if Samworth Brothers recognised their workers' union we could work together to avoid situations like this."

Artin Giles, organiser for the campaign, said: "This possible closure will be extremely worrying to workers at Revolution Kitchen - 'hoping' that there will be a 'good number of opportunities' for redeployment is simply not good enough. Samworth Brothers need to guarantee no jobs will be lost."