‘Devastating blow’ as Coca Cola axes nearly 300 jobs

Phil Black - PII Editor 22/04/2013

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The loss of nearly 300 jobs at Coca Cola Enterprises (CCE) was described as “a devastating blow” by Unite, the country’s largest union, today (Monday 22 April).

Unite will be seeking greater clarification of the full impact, following the announcement that CCE is to exit its DSD (Direct Store Delivery) operation resulting in 288 redundancies, 160 of whom are Unite drivers and warehouse workers.

The sites impacted include Bristol, East Kilbride, North London, Northampton, Sidcup and Wakefield.

Unite national officer for food and drink Jennie Formby said: “This news will be a devastating blow for our members and their families, especially in the current economic climate of austerity, welfare cuts and now rising unemployment.

“It is too early to make a detailed analysis of the announcement. However, our immediate priority must be to get full details of the reasoning behind this decision and to examine what alternatives there could be for our members.

“Cola Coca Enterprises is a highly profitable and successful global company and we will be doing everything in our power to protect jobs.”

Coca‑Cola Enterprises makes, sells and distributes soft drinks. It sells more than four billion bottles and cans in the UK every year – producing 95 per cent of its products in the UK.