Beloved British meal deal under threat as sandwich makers to go out on strike

04 September 2023 , 00:21

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Greencore operates 16 factories across the UK (Image: Mirror Screen Grab)

Lunchtime options up and down the UK might be about to take a hit as British sandwichmakers look set to go out on strike for almost an entire month.

More than 500 workers at Greencore – a firm specialising in "food to go" that produced 975million sandwiches last year – will down tools from September 11 to October 9 in a bid to increase their £10.53-an-hour wages, the Sun reports.

Greencore's 16 factories across the UK supply all major supermarkets, as well as high street favourites like Starbucks and Boots. In May this year the firm reported a surge in revenue after upping its prices – and also revealed it axed around 250 jobs.

The food manufacturing firm revealed its revenue jumped by a fifth to £926 million in the six months to the end of March, compared to the same period last year. It said around 14.5% of the jump in sales came from cost inflation “recovery” – meaning Greencore passed on higher manufacturing costs through raising prices of its food products. The business said it had also partially mitigated the impact through operational efficiencies, making changes to ranges and redesigning packaging.

Unite the Union has warned that the industrial action will lead to less sandwiches being available on supermarket shelves up and down the country. General secretary Sharon Graham said: “Their employer, while making substantial profits, sees fit not to share the spoils with its workers."

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The union's Regional Officer Andy Shaw added: “It is not too late to avoid this action, if the company remembers where its profits come from and heads back to the negotiating table with an improved pay offer.”

Dublin-based Greencore, which employes around 14,000 people, maintained it had been in constant dialogue with unions over pay since as early as January this year and was disappointed that strike action was set to go ahead.

Last month, Waitrose announced it was set to take on its supermarket competitors across the UK by launching its very own meal deal at long last. The offer, which will be rolled out in supermarkets across the UK from August 30, will include a main, side and a drink for £5. Mains on offer will include a selection of sandwiches, sushi, salad and wraps, while healthy options including fruit, cereal bars, juices and smoothies will also be available in the deal.

Matt Clemenson