Treatment of workers at Orchard House Foods, Gateshead

Early day motion 706, tabled 14 December 2022 by Ian Mearns (Labour). Signed by 14 members.

That this House is shocked and angered by the treatment of workers made redundant at Orchard House Food’s Gateshead factory; notes that the company - which supplies companies such as Marks and Spencer, Morrisons and Pret a Manger - remains a going concern with some workers offered the chance to relocate to the Midlands; understands that the majority have been unable to relocate and were initially promised redundancy payments within two weeks of receiving their final pay slip, in most cases on 9 December; is outraged to learn that the workers have since been informed that there will be a delay in processing these redundancy payments until the New Year; is concerned about the impact on families now facing the prospect of Christmas without an income and yet to receive a penny of support from the company, leaving many worried about heating their homes or feeding their children; and calls on the management of Orchard House Foods to ensure that all redundancy payments are received in full prior to Christmas.

Signatures by party: Labour 11, Independent 2, Labour/Co-operative 1.