Charles Wells, the Bedfordshire brewer and pub operator, has announced plans to restructure its brewing arm Wells & Young’s in a move that could see up to 13 jobs lost in its production department.
Under the plan, from next summer Wells & Young’s would move from brewing 24 hours per day, seven days per week, to a five day per week pattern.
Voluntary redundancy would be offered, said the company, which is entering a consultation process with staff and the union.
The firm said: “In other parts of the business, a restructure in central services departments has also seen two roles put at risk and staff are currently being consulted as part of a separate process.”
Charles Wells will also review its final salary pension scheme in 2014 and will be consulting with staff and the union on its proposal, which will affect c25% of employees.
The company cited “decreased manufacturing demand” for the due to several factors including the economic environment, an “increasingly competitive market” and the loss of a production contract to brew and package Red Stripe lager, which ends in summer 2014.
Justin Phillimore, managing director of Wells & Young’s, said: “We understand that this is an unsettling time for those staff affected by the proposed changes, and this is not a decision we have taken lightly.
“We have reviewed all areas of the business to identify other efficiency savings, however ultimately the number of staff and shift pattern in production areas must reflect the manufacturing demand of the brewery.
“We are doing everything we can to minimise the impact by offering voluntary redundancies wherever possible and ensuring that appropriate support and advice is available to those affected.
“Although we will all be sorry to see the brewing of Red Stripe finally leave Bedford in July 2014 after 38 years here, the move marks a new era for the brewery as it means that for the first time at the Eagle Brewery 98% of the beer we brew will be for our own brands. As we look to the future, we have a strong portfolio of interesting new beers in the pipeline that we will be bringing to the market over the next 12 months to complement our existing range.”
