Alcan confirms redundancies

Last updated 23:31, Thursday, 16 October 2008

WORKINGTON’S Alcan Packaging company yesterday confirmed that it will make redundancies by January 1.

Talks are continuing with union officials on the Salterbeck firm’s plan to axe 40 jobs, which was announced recently.

There have been meetings with union Amicus since the job cuts were announced, and these will continue in a bid to find the best redundancy package for employees affected.

The Moorclose Road factory, one of West Cumbria’s biggest employers, currently has 440 people on its payroll.

The company says it has had to make cuts because a loss of work from a confectionery company will reduce its volume by half.

Howard Farrar, human resources director, said: “Consultation is ongoing with the union and we are continuing to have meetings to work out the best package for our employees.

“We are gauging their responses in meetings we are having with the union.

“There is going to be a reduction in the number of jobs by January 1, so this is the key date to try to sort everything out.”

It is hoped that only voluntary redundancies will take place, with a number of people having already put forward their names with a view to taking the voluntary package.

Alcan produces packaging for some of the world’s major brands, including Kellogg’s, Nestlé and Walkers.