Thorntons insists job losses at Derbyshire chocolate factory 'not related' to coronavirus

Thorntons, which has been part of the Ferrero group since a £112m takeover in 2015, says it needs to carry out the plan to secure the future of its Somercotes factory as a ‘key hub’ for the business.

The company says it cannot confirm the number of job losses as the consultation is taking place – but says all have been voluntary so far.

It also insists the plan cannot allow for staff to be furloughed as it was in place before the coronavirus crisis began.

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A spokesperson said: “At the start of the year, we launched a formal consultation process. The consultation seeks to agree a series of proposals which we believe will enable us to meet our aspiration of securing the future of Alfreton by making it a key hub for the Ferrero group in the production of boxed assortments and produce more Ferrero products for the international market.

“To achieve this aspiration and the commercial viability of Alfreton, we need to ensure we are producing the right mix of products, have the right machinery and infrastructure in place, and the right organisational structure.

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“We have conducted a comprehensive process of consultation and have worked hard to help our employees through what we know has been a difficult time.

“The redundancies to date have been voluntary and paid in line with the terms of their agreements. All colleagues that are leaving voluntarily have been provided with outplacement support.

“The consultation is not related to COVID-19 and redundancies were agreed prior to the outbreak, therefore furlough is not an available solution.

“We understand that this is an uncertain and concerning time for colleagues and our priority has been to support them throughout this period.”

Founded by Joseph Thornton in Sheffield and using the slogan ‘chocolate heaven since 1911’, Thorntons was floated on the stock market in 1987 but has faced struggles in recent years due to competition from European chocolate makers.

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