Member Article

23 jobs set to go at Teesside tea factory

More than 20 jobs are expected to be culled at Tata Global Beverages near Stockton.

The firm, home of the Tetley tea brand, has announced plans for a restructure which could see 23 positions go.

Tata currently employs 340 people at its Durham Lane Industrial Estate site in Eaglescliffe and is the largest manufacturing plant in the world.

The factory was used by Prime Minister David Cameron last December to announce Teesside’s City Deal status, saying then that “things are beginning to pick up”.

But a statement released by Tata said the factory had already seen a volume reduction over the last couple of years.

It added: “This is due to a challenging market environment, increasing competitor activity and retailers reducing deep cut promotional activity.

“As part of normal business process, the factory evaluates its operational structure on a regular basis to ensure it stays sustainable and competitive.

“As a result, the factory has decided to restructure certain areas in order to remove costs that it can no longer sustain. Unfortunately, the outcome is likely to be a reduction of around 23 roles at Eaglescliffe.

“Employees are being informed about the proposed changes.

“The restructures will be managed in a fair and equitable manner through a comprehensive consultation process in accordance with all relevant employment legislation.”

PM Cameron told workers at Tata in December: “I know things have been very difficult in the last three years.

“But I really believe we have turned the corner and things are starting to improve.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .