Warbies staff set to spread

A PACKAGE of support is being provided to bakery workers as Warburtons prepares to close in Shaw.

The 73-year-old factory will shut its doors next week with the loss of 73 jobs.

The family-run business announced 101 staff have either been relocated to other sites within the company or taken early retirement — but compulsory redundancies still needed to be made.

Jobcentre Plus and Oldham Council are helping employees find new jobs.

Warburtons managing director Robert Higginson said: “Closing a bakery is the hardest decision a family firm like Warburtons has to make but these changes to our manufacturing and distribution operations are vital. Support for employees has been a number-one priority throughout the process.”

More than 20 staff have renew or acquired fork-lift truck licences through Oldham Training Company to boost their job prospects. Some sales staff not moving to the Bolton bakery have taken driving courses.

The bread-making giant employs around 5,000 staff at 14 different bakeries and 15 depots across the country.