Job losses likely as JDE reduces R&D facility
26/01/2021
Consultation underway for changes including scaling back R&D and amending staff contracts
A number of changes are being proposed at one of Banbury’s biggest employers which is likely to result in some job losses. Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE) are currently consulting with employees on their plans.
During a meeting last week it was announced to staff that JDE are planning on making some changes to the Research and Development facility in Banbury. This would see it reduced to a smaller facility which is focused on instant coffee and delivering products for test markets.
The proposals also included changes to terms and conditions. Banbury FM understands this could include new shift patterns for some employees.
JDE says it is currently unable to say any more about the proposals as a staff consultation exercise is underway. They say the changes are due to the “external landscape” having changed considerably and their cost base not being competitive.
JDE told Banbury FM: “We’re proud of the strong journey we’ve been on since we entered the UK market five years ago and our employees’ hard work both during this period and more recently in what have been unprecedented times as a result of Covid-19.
“We can confirm that we’re proposing some changes to the way we operate as a business here in the UK. The proposals include simplifying terms and conditions for our employees and changing the structure of our global R&D organisation which involves transforming R&D in Banbury into a smaller facility which is focused on instant coffee and delivering products for test markets. As we are in the process of consultation with employees and the union on the proposed changes, we’re unable to comment on ongoing discussions.
“These proposals are needed because the external landscape has changed significantly but more fundamentally our cost base is not competitive. Making these changes now will put us in a strong position to grow in the future.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
