Unilever closure 'hammer blow' for town

GMB has described the closure of Warrington’s historic Unilever factory as a ‘hammer blow’ for the town.

The company today announced the factory would begin closing the factory, with all staff expected to be off site by the end of 2020.

In January the consumer goods giant announced a review of the 136-year-old site due to a “sustained and irreversible decline in demand for washing powder”.

GMB will now be demanding proper compensation and support for the 123 people working at Unilever Warrington

Eamon O’Hearn, GMB National Officer, said:

"The closure of Unilever Warrington is hammer blow for the town – for the people who work there, their families and the whole community.

“First it was the loss of Colman's and now the first Unilever site, which has been an iconic part of the UK’s manufacturing history for 136 years, and to see it tossed aside by the company is heart-breaking.

"Unilever happily exploits its historical legacy but for its UK manufacturing workforce that is increasingly ringing hollow.

“GMB will now demand proper compensation and support for the 123 people who have lost their livelihoods.”