Around 90 jobs are to go from Peter’s Food Service at its factory in Bedwas.
The company, which makes a range of pies, pasties and other baked goods, blamed cost increases in raw materials and said it was stepping away from some of its less profitable business following a review of its own label customer contracts.
In a statement the company said: “The business has experienced exceptional increases in raw material prices, and it has been unable to pass these increases onto its customers in an extremely competitive sector.
“The company has therefore taken the decision to terminate some contracts which it considers unviable for the business.
“This, coupled with the normal seasonal decline within the sector at this time of year, will mean production at the company’s Bedwas site will be reduced, and therefore, a number of staff could be affected by these changes.”
A period of consultation has begun with staff about potential redundancies.
Jason Stevens, area organiser with union Usdaw, said: “We’ve been informed by the company that they have reviewed the business and propose reducing production at the Bedwas site.
“Clearly this is very bad news for the staff affected. Usdaw reps have entered into consultation talks where we are interrogating the business case for the proposals; we are seeking to minimise compulsory redundancies and ensuring the business has a viable future. In the meantime Usdaw is providing our members with the support, advice and representation they require at this difficult time.”
Caerphilly AM Hefin David said he will be requesting a meeting with the company alongside Caerphilly MP Wayne David.
He said: “Clearly this is very concerning news for the workforce at Peters Pies. I’ve contacted the trade union, Usdaw to establish whether there could be possibilities for retaining any of the jobs proposed to be lost and I will be requesting a meeting with the Managing Director alongside Caerphilly MP Wayne David MP.
“I will remain in close contact with Usdaw and would like to offer my support for employees at this time.”
Not good news for the workforce affected – but clearly the company could not continue with unviable contracts.
Perhaps an increase in our consumption of their savouries would help ?
Maybe an advertising campaign would help?
“We must have a pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie.”
? David Mahmet
or
“Cut my pie into four pieces, I don’t think I could eat eight.”
? Yogi Berra, baseball legend.
or
“It could be argued that there is an element of entertainment in every
pie, as every pie is inherently a surprise by virtue of its crust.”
?Janet Clarkson, the pie, a global history.
Or would that be just pie in the sky?