Earlier this year, it was revealed that more than 300 jobs were at risk at the Cereal Partners United Kingdom and Ireland (CPUK&I) factory in Port Causeway, Bromborough and the site could close down due to proposed changes to manufacturing.
The factory makes rice crispies and cornflakes for all major supermarkets and has operated for more than 30 years.
Earlier this year, 314 workers were told by the company that changes to manufacturing could involve a £74m investment at its Staverton factory in Wiltshire and the closure of its factory in Bromborough putting the roles at risk of redundancy.
After negotiations, it has been confirmed that around 50 roles will be cut over the next two years, and GMB will seek to mitigate the impacts as much as possible working with members. Some compulsory redundancies may still happen though.
It means the long-term future of CPUK’s Bromborough site where Lidl, Asda, Aldi and others own-brand cereals are made is now guaranteed – saving 250 jobs. These workers have transferred to a new company, Sincereal.
In a statement, GMB revealed that workers have secured a strong package including: enhanced redundancy terms, protected for three years post-transfer; an improved pension scheme with up to 7.5% employer contributions, over £10,000 in bonuses, including a £7,000 TUPE transfer bonus (paid in two instalments with no criteria) and a £3,000 loyalty bonus in December.
Some roles will be lost by end of 2027 – which GMB has worked to manage through voluntary redundancy as much as possible.
Matthew Denton, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “This is a fantastic outcome compared to the original proposal. It shows the power of collective action; when workers stand together in a union, we win real results.
“We’ll continue to support members through the TUPE process and the next phase of consultation.”
Cereal Partners were approached for comment, but declined.