Staff at the Bernard Matthews factory in Shaftesbury Street, Pear Tree, have been informed that the site will close on December 20.
The decision follows a management announcement on July 1, which initiated a 45-day consultation process that concluded on Saturday, August 15. During this period, it was determined that "no viable mitigation has been identified that would allow the site to remain operational."
Consequently, the company has decided to proceed with the closure of the site.
An employee stated that approximately 600 people work at the factory, with most residing in the local area. They described the closure as a "massive loss to the Derby community."
Staff were informed that there might be a "phased withdrawal of both product lines and colleagues as operations wind down," meaning some activities and teams could conclude earlier than others based on business needs. The company has pledged to maintain open communication regarding timelines, individual consultations, and next steps, emphasizing the need for flexibility and collaboration to ensure a safe and orderly closure process while meeting customer commitments.
Management acknowledged the impact of the decision on employees, their families, and the wider community, calling for professionalism, respect, and care. Support services and the exploration of redeployment opportunities will be provided to affected workers.
Bernard Matthews, a company founded in 1950, has been a prominent name in the UK supermarket sector, primarily known for its turkey products. This Derby site closure follows the company's shutdown of its headquarters and processing site in Great Witchingham, Norfolk, in 2024, which also led to the loss of around 600 jobs.
A spokesperson for Bernard Matthews confirmed the closure of the Shaftesbury Street processing facility, citing continued significant financial losses compounded by external economic challenges. These include the impacts of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, all of which have affected the site and its supply chain. The company will offer support to affected employees through redeployment within the wider business and collaboration with local organizations to find alternative employment.
