Workers at Batley firm Fox’s Biscuits 'forced’ to sign a new contract or have their employment terminated

The workers at the company based on Whitaker Street have claimed they were issued with a letter from the firm, just before Christmas, stating that their employment will be terminated in March if they do not agree to sign a new contract, which would ‘force’ them to take a pay cut.

If they sign the new contract, the cut would take the employees down to minimum wage, which would see their pay decrease by an average of £1 an hour, £40 a week and £160 a month, something that many workers are worrying about amid the cost of living crisis.

A relative of an employee at the Batley firm, who wishes to stay anonymous, said: “They had a letter back in November saying that the terms and conditions were changing business wide.

“But what's affecting my relative is that they are being recognised in their current pay banding, not by their skill-set.

“My relative has not signed the new terms and conditions, but just before Christmas they received a second letter stating that because they haven't agreed to the pay cut, they are now on notice and will be out of a job in 12 weeks, which is in March.

“My relative has worked for this company for over 20 years. It's just so worrying to think that they are going to be out of a job come March.

“We are really anxious and worried, especially getting the letter before Christmas-time as well, it's the last thing you want to be told.

“They are going to appeal this and we are hoping that Fox’s will try and negotiate.”

The Fox’s Burton’s Company (FBC ) say that they are currently working closely with colleagues and union representatives to review how they recognise and upskill the affected colleagues.

A spokesperson from FBC said: “The review process is ongoing, but we can clarify that no colleague’s contracted basic pay will be reduced.

“All our colleagues at our Batley factory are a hugely valued part of our Fox’s Burton’s Companies.”

The union has been contacted for comment.