Menu
19/02/2007
Bernard Matthews staff face lay-offs
Around 130 workers at a Bernard Matthews site are to be temporarily laid off following the recent bird flu outbreak.
The Transport and General Workers Union said that the company had confirmed that the workers at the Norfolk site would be stood down on Tuesday for 20 days.
The union said the workers would be entitled to some statutory payments and said that Bernard Matthews had agreed to grant a one-off payment of £100 to each worker.
However, the TGWU said that the company was preparing to lay off up to a total of 500 workers in the next few weeks.
The union said that the UK government should provide compensation to the industry that has suffered detriment from the impact on sales following the bird flu outbreak, in a similar way that the Spanish and Italian governments did following outbreaks of the deadly H5N1 virus.
The union said that any compensation agreed should include direct payments to workers adversely affected.
Chris Kaufman, T&G National Secretary said: "Industry will need the full backing of its government as it faces a challenging period. The government should also assist the workforce by ensuring that the benefits they are entitled to are processed without delay."
Miles Hubbard, T&G regional industrial organiser, said: "The workforce has displayed real resilience during the last couple of difficult weeks and is determined to work for a positive future for the company. The union is determined to do everything it can to defend our members' interests."
The H5N1 virus was discovered at a Bernard Matthews turkey farm in Holton, Suffolk earlier this month. Nearly 160,000 birds were culled as a result of the outbreak.
(KMcA)
The Transport and General Workers Union said that the company had confirmed that the workers at the Norfolk site would be stood down on Tuesday for 20 days.
The union said the workers would be entitled to some statutory payments and said that Bernard Matthews had agreed to grant a one-off payment of £100 to each worker.
However, the TGWU said that the company was preparing to lay off up to a total of 500 workers in the next few weeks.
The union said that the UK government should provide compensation to the industry that has suffered detriment from the impact on sales following the bird flu outbreak, in a similar way that the Spanish and Italian governments did following outbreaks of the deadly H5N1 virus.
The union said that any compensation agreed should include direct payments to workers adversely affected.
Chris Kaufman, T&G National Secretary said: "Industry will need the full backing of its government as it faces a challenging period. The government should also assist the workforce by ensuring that the benefits they are entitled to are processed without delay."
Miles Hubbard, T&G regional industrial organiser, said: "The workforce has displayed real resilience during the last couple of difficult weeks and is determined to work for a positive future for the company. The union is determined to do everything it can to defend our members' interests."
The H5N1 virus was discovered at a Bernard Matthews turkey farm in Holton, Suffolk earlier this month. Nearly 160,000 birds were culled as a result of the outbreak.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 April 2007
No charges over bird flu outbreak
Bernard Matthews will not face charges over the outbreak of bird flu at one of its plants, the Food Standards Agency has announced. Following an investigation, the FSA said that there was no evidence that food waste at the site in Holton, Suffolk, had been stored inappropriately.
No charges over bird flu outbreak
Bernard Matthews will not face charges over the outbreak of bird flu at one of its plants, the Food Standards Agency has announced. Following an investigation, the FSA said that there was no evidence that food waste at the site in Holton, Suffolk, had been stored inappropriately.
16 October 2013
Royal Mail Workers Balloted Over National Strike Action
Royal Mail could face its first national strike in almost four years, as the Communication Workers Union hold a ballot over action in a dispute over workers terms and condition at the newly privatised company.
Royal Mail Workers Balloted Over National Strike Action
Royal Mail could face its first national strike in almost four years, as the Communication Workers Union hold a ballot over action in a dispute over workers terms and condition at the newly privatised company.
13 April 2011
Amendments 'Strengthen Postal Bill'
The Government has today published a number of amendments to strengthen the Postal Services Bill. The changes incorporate feedback from MPs, Lords, Royal Mail, other postal operators and the Communication Workers Union, as well as other interested parties.
Amendments 'Strengthen Postal Bill'
The Government has today published a number of amendments to strengthen the Postal Services Bill. The changes incorporate feedback from MPs, Lords, Royal Mail, other postal operators and the Communication Workers Union, as well as other interested parties.
23 June 2005
UK temps ‘least protected in Europe’, TUC claims
UK agency workers are the least protected in Europe, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has claimed, with agency workers in Poland and Slovenia having more rights than British temps.
UK temps ‘least protected in Europe’, TUC claims
UK agency workers are the least protected in Europe, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has claimed, with agency workers in Poland and Slovenia having more rights than British temps.
14 September 2015
Parliament To Debate Trade Union Bill
The government's proposed Trade Union Bill is to undergo its second reading in the Commons today, during which MPs will debate the proposals.
Parliament To Debate Trade Union Bill
The government's proposed Trade Union Bill is to undergo its second reading in the Commons today, during which MPs will debate the proposals.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
