Seafood firm confirms job losses

A seafood company has confirmed 180 jobs will go at a Worcestershire plant.

Coldwater Seafood said the site in Redditch will shut on the expected closure date of 6 June.

It said the meals business will be transferred to the firm's two sites in Grimsby and a spokesman added some staff will be offered relocation.

The firm said it reached agreement with workers and the union Unite to close the site after a consultation process and redundancy terms have been agreed.

In a statement, it said: "This transferred business will be supported with significant investment that will create improved manufacturing capabilities together with greater security for Coldwater's 500 employees in Grimsby.

"Coldwater's management recognises the tremendous support from all of the Redditch employees over the years and thanks them for their commitment throughout this challenging process."

Joe Clarke, from Unite, said the union has negotiated an enhanced redundancy package which was balloted on last week and accepted by the workforce by a unanimous majority.

He said: "It's unfortunate the place is closing, but at least we've been able to negotiate a reasonable package linked to the closure."