Bernard Matthews closure ‘a devastating blow’ for Derby

In 2016, six years after the death of Bernard Matthews, the company was bought by the founder of the 2 Sisters Food Group, Ranjit Singh Boparan.

Two years ago the company announced proposals to close a factory at its headquarters in Great Witchingham, Norfolk, where Matthews used to live and where he built his empire.

The company said the decision to cease operations in Derby followed continued “significant financial losses” and “a range of external economic challenges and the geopolitical environment”, including Brexit, Covid and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Sharon Khiari, Usdaw’s area organiser, said it was now focusing “on supporting our members through this very difficult process”.

“Confirmation of the closure of the Bernard Matthews site in Derby is a devastating blow for the staff, their families and the wider community,” she said.

“We are extremely disappointed that the company has decided to proceed with the closure, despite our attempts to save the site through the consultation.”

Shanker said he first learned of potential plans to close the site when he was informed about a consultation process between company bosses and unions representing workers.

“The impact on the workforce and their families can’t be overstated, particularly with this closure now being planned just a week or so before Christmas,” he said.

“Predominantly this work is being taken to other factories, and that is something I find very difficult – this work has been done here by these workers for a number of years, and the company’s made a decision to take the majority of that work to other sites, so I’ve been challenging that.

“I still think there’s serious questions that [are] unanswered, and I continue to work with colleagues at [trade union] Usdaw to make sure that the rights and the impact that this is having on the workers is at the foremost of decisions.”