BERNARD MATTHEWS has warned that more UK farms and food manufacturing sites could close without government action to strengthen supply-chain resilience, after confirming the closure of its Derby processing facility.
The Shaftesbury Street site will cease operations by the end of 2026 following the conclusion of collective consultation with employees and union representatives.
Around 600 jobs are expected to be affected, according to BBC reporting.
Bernard Matthews said the decision followed continued significant financial losses at the site, alongside external economic and geopolitical pressures that had affected the business and its supply chain.
The company cited Brexit, the Covid pandemic and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East among the factors contributing to the closure.
Government action urged
A company spokesperson said Bernard Matthews had been calling for urgent government intervention to support the UK food supply chain for the past two years.
“Farmers and food producers face rising costs and increasing complexity, which are restricting growth, driving food inflation and undermining the UK’s food security,” the spokesperson said.
The company called for targeted action on supply-chain resilience, planning and taxation.
“Without targeted Government action on supply chain resilience, planning and taxation, we fear more farms and food manufacturing sites will close, increasing the UK’s reliance on lower-quality imports and weakening food and national security,” the spokesperson added.
Bernard Matthews said it remained committed to providing quality, affordable food that was better for people and the planet.
The business will support affected employees by considering potential redeployment opportunities elsewhere in the company.
It will also engage with local organisations to explore alternative employment opportunities for workers affected by the closure.
