Jobs at risk in Middleton

A number of jobs are under threat as Middleton’s largest employer, McBride’s, carries out a reorganisation of the firm.

The company which produces household goods is currently carrying out a consultation process with staff about the proposed changes which centre around shift patterns.

At the moment discussions are being held with 82 people, however the company’s Human Resources Director Malcolm Allen hopes that the number of people to leave will be considerably lower.

Over 60 people are being offered a change in shift patterns to continental shifts.

The remainder of the staff are those who carry out support roles, and those members of staff do not have the same shift swap option.

Mr Allen said: “We have mixed reactions from the people involved we can’t just expect them to change their shift, it is in a massive lifestyle change and it will affect different people in different ways.

“The discussions we have had with representative bodies have been very mature, sensible and level headed and I would like to think people are working with us just as we are working with them.”

Mr Allen added: “If everybody accepts the shift changes then number will be reduced to the teens.”

Mr Allen explained the shake-up of the firm is in relation to profitability at the site.

Consultation is ongoing.