Dairy bosses urged to rethink closure plan

Staff, unions and politicians have urged a dairy manufacturer to think again over its plans to shut its North Yorkshire site.

Arla announced proposals to close its base in Settle last month, with 128 jobs under threat as a result.

A consultation meeting between union representatives, staff and politicians unanimously supported efforts to try and save the factory, with the area's Conservative MP Julian Smith describing the news as a "massive blow" to the town.

Arla, which plans to move more of its operations to Lockerbie in Scotland, said it was consulting with staff affected by the closure.

A despatch operator at the factory, Dean Hird, said the news had been "devastating" for staff.

He said: "It's not only me. I've been here for years, but my daughter recently started here as well, so it's bad news for the family really.

"We all thought it was a job forever until we retired. Young people have got mortgages on the strength of it, so it's knocked everyone for six."

Stuart Wiseman, a shift team leader, said: "I started here nine years ago and worked my way from the bottom up and Arla has been a really good employer.

"I live about 20 minutes away so it's about looking at what the options are now, as a family."

A spokesperson for Arla said: "We are entering into a period of consultation with all colleagues affected by these proposals and it is our priority to fully support these colleagues through this difficult period."

It said it would continue to engage with the GMB union and employee representatives.

Smith, who represents Skipton and Ripon at Westminster, said those fighting the closure would continue to "present alternatives" to Arla, which is a co-operative.

"Arla and its predecessors have been in Settle for decades and they made a big investment in 2021, so it's both a huge shock and a massive blow.

"Settle offers a great location and a great workforce," the MP added.

Deanne Ferguson, GMB regional organiser, said union members had unanimously backed efforts to try to save the factory at the consultation meeting earlier.

"It's a community and a place which they love," she said.

"It's historically linked to generations of family, who face being uprooted and having to move elsewhere."

North Yorkshire councillor for the area David Staveley said Arla leaving would have a major impact on the town.

"They will be sorely missed if they do go and that will have a ripple effect throughout the town.

"The facility here does attract various secondary, support industries for those to go would further compound the impact financially and economically on the area."

A further two consultation meetings have been scheduled to take place in due course.

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