400 Cadbury workers to lose jobs

​Hundreds of South West-based Cadbury workers face losing their jobs despite promises by the firm's new owner, Kraft, that they would be kept, according to reports.

According to The Times the chocolate maker's Somerdale plant at Keynsham near Bristol "will in effect shut with the loss of 400 jobs, although it will remain open with a skeleton staff".

Kraft's takeover had won some favour when it had told Cadbury in September it "would be in a position to continue to operate the factory" which was scheduled for closure by Cadbury.

Most of the 400 staff were due to leave between March and June. According to The Times Kraft, which bought Cadbury for £11.4 billion last month, has yet to make any move to retain the Keynsham workers "and it is understood they will leave as planned".

Unite, which represents workers at the factory, is due to meet Somerdale staff tomorrow.

No one was available from Kraft this morning to comment, but in article in the national newspaper a spokesman is quoted as saying: "We need to review with Cadbury management before making a decision. We are sincere in our intent to keep Somerdale."

The situation has drawn the support of North East Somerset MP Dan Norris who has already met Kraft directors and asked business secretary Peter Mandelson for his support.

He said: “Reports suggest Kraft could take up to six months to carry out a review of its UK operations before it is in a position to make vital decisions.

“But that could be too late for Keynsham, because the Somerdale closure schedule is due to be very well advanced by then.

“Somerdale staff, local businesses and residents are calling for Kraft to make their intentions clear as a matter of urgency.

“There is real anxiety that by the time they make a final decision, it could already be too late. Somerdale needs a ‘stay of execution’ to ensure it can remain operational.

“I am working with others to get a clear announcement to help overcome the uncertainty that currently hangs over Keynsham.”