Unite to monitor the future of Lucozade plant

Phil Black - PII Editor 13/03/2013

84 1 minute read

Listen to this article

The future of the Forest of Dean plant, which produces Lucozade and Ribena, will be closely monitored by Unite, the country’s largest union, as speculation mounts about a possible sell-off.

Last month, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare announced an £18 million investment in its manufacturing facility in Coleford, which employs about 400, but media reports also indicate a possible bidding war for the iconic brands.

Unite regional officer Trevor Hall said: “At present, it”s business as usual. The company is insisting that it is continuing to heavily invest in the Ribena and Lucozade products in the Forest of Dean.

“The company has said that there will be a review at the end of the year when all options will be considered. Unite will be monitoring the situation very closely in the months ahead.

“Our members must not pay the price of any restructuring or takeover with their jobs. We would press for guarantees to this effect.

“It is also a matter of concern about any possible takeover by a private equity outfit, as they don’t have a good track record when it comes to maintaining employment, and terms and conditions.

“Unite regards the maintenance of employment at this plant, with no diminution in terms and conditions, as a key priority for the economy in this part of Gloucestershire.

“In the meantime, our hardworking members are involved in teams looking at ways to improve efficiencies.”