Job cuts on the cards at Amcor

Amcor, based on the Lower Road Trading Estate, say a consultation period has started and redundancies are possible as the company seeks "to remain competitive in the tough markets in which it operates".The company will consider voluntary redundancies "where appropriate".

Amcor employs over 200 people and is a leader in the food packaging industry, including the manufacture of bread bags.

Amcor's human resources manager, Marion Flaherty said of the proposed staffing shake-up: "Amcor Flexibles Ledbury has been reviewing areas of its business looking for opportunities to improve the site's overall business performance.

"Whilst many changes have already been implemented and savings have been achieved, the indirect headcount costs which have not until now been adjusted, needed to be addressed to meet the new performance needs. After careful analysis, this unfortunately means a number of positions in Amcor Flexibles Ledbury have been put at risk and could result in around ten redundancies. As a consequence we have entered a consultation process."

She added: "We do regret what could be unavoidable job losses and the impact on those who leave us and their families. We intend to do what we can to mitigate the impact by redeploying a number of roles within the business where appropriate; considering volunteers where possible; providing fair and reasonable severance benefits, including support and assistance to help prepare people for their job search."

News of the possible job cuts has been met with concern by Ledbury's mayor, Cllr Annette Crowe.

She said: "The loss of any jobs in Ledbury is regrettable, and it's a terrible position to be in for those affected. People have families and mortgages. It must be really, really worrying.

"Fingers crossed, this is it, and there won't be any more job losses."

She added: "We are looking for businesses to expand in Ledbury, and hopefully Amcor will be able to re-organise and re-invest, and employ more people in the future."