Hundreds of jobs at risk as Pilgrim's UK to close Ashton site

Pilgrim's UK has announced that the proposed closure is part of the company's "ongoing footprint review" as it looks to create "the best structure for long-term growth and development" and as it looks to navigate the "current unfavourable market conditions in the UK".

It means that all 542 workers at the Ashton site, at all levels, are at risk of redundancy.

Pilgrim's has said the UK pork sector is facing "the most significant challenges in its history, with the UK sow herd having contracted by around 15% and loss-making farmers leaving the industry due to a sustained period of high production costs and lower pig prices".

The initial phase of the business's footprint review saw the closure of its Coalville site and the imminent closure of the Bury St Edmunds site, as well as the Ashton site moving to a four-day week in September 2022.

Now, however, the company's executive team has announced it will close the Ashton site as well, with existing operations to be transferred to its facilities in Spalding, Westerleigh and Bromborough.

Rachel Baldwin, Vice President of Human Resources, Pilgrim’s UK, said: "The decision to propose the closure of our Ashton site has not been taken lightly and we have made every effort to explore alternative options.

"A key part of our work to return to growth includes ensuring we fully optimise our operational footprint and the age and location of Ashton within a densely populated area means that there is no feasible opportunity to modernise or grow the site.

"As a result, these proposals are unfortunately essential to ensure a sustainable future for our team members across the UK."

The business will now enter a period of collective consultation with site union and employee representatives.

Pilgrim's has said full support and guidance will be given to those at risk of redundancy, including support in seeking alternative roles both inside and outside of the company.