Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Tetley faces first ever strike

Tetley faces first ever strike
iStock image

Workers at Tetley Tea in Teesside are going on strike starting today (20), sparking fears of a tea shortage.

Almost 150 GMB members working at Tata Consumer Products, which makes Tetley Tea in Teesside, voted to walk out in anger at "poverty pay".


Industrial action begins will take place on Friday (20) and and Monday (23).

Paul Clark, GMB Organiser, said, “This loyal, predominately female workforce has endured year after year of real terms pay cuts.

“Now they have had enough. GMB members are being intimidated by management not to go on strike – they trying to bully workers rather than listen to their concerns and try to find a solution.

“Tata bosses need to get back round the table, or we face a shortage of the UK’s favourite cup of tea this autumn.”

Tetley responded to the imminent action with the following statement.

“We are disappointed with the decision to strike particularly when we have two offers on the table which the Unions decided not to present to members before going to ballot.

“Of course, we are not immune to the difficult economic circumstances facing families and businesses, but we do believe the pay award offers made by us to be fair.

“As both pay offers remain open it is not appropriate for us to comment on the negotiations or the inaccuracies of the content of the press releases being issued.

“We are urging the Unions to reconsider their position and present the two offers on the table for consideration by members so that we can reach a swift resolution in line with what’s reasonably affordable to the business, and in the best interests of the factory.

“From discussions we are aware that the majority of members do not want to harm the business and would welcome the opportunity to consider the offers on the table which are yet to be shared with them.

“Contingency plans have been executed to enable production to continue with minimum disruption to supply, so we can ensure that Tetley is available for the millions of consumers who enjoy it.

“As a business we always seek to do the right thing, but we must act fairly and responsibly. We are committed to our UK manufacturing base and are continuing to invest to expand its capabilities and further our sustainability agenda. We must work however to remain competitive to support the best interests of the factory and our aspirations to grow our tea presence in the UK and overseas. “

More for you

Volumatic welcomes new FCA rules safeguarding access to cash

Volumatic welcomes new FCA rules safeguarding access to cash

As industry leaders is cash handling, Volumatic has long supported the use of cash and the importance of maintaining access to cash for both consumers and businesses. The company recognises the importance of the new set of rules created by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) two months ago, to safeguard access to cash for businesses and consumers across the UK.

Since introduction, the new rules are intended to ensure that individuals and businesses who rely on cash can continue to access it and the outcome has already sparked the creation of 15 new banking hubs across the UK, including one in Scotland, with many more to follow.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jisp unveils new NPD service

Jisp unveils new NPD service

Retail technology company Jisp has launched an NPD service as part of its new Direct to Retailer business unit.

The new NPD service will allow brands to launch or trial new products in a guaranteed number of convenience store locations, with on the ground review of execution by Jisp’s retail growth manager team, and performance data and insights deliverable through its scanning technology and back-office systems.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tesco launches price cuts in Express convenience stores
File image of Tesco Express

Tesco launches price cuts in Express convenience stores

Tesco is slashing the price of more than 222 own-brand and branded products in its Express convenience stores.

Essentials including milk, bread, pasta and coffee are included in the lines which have been reduced in price by an average of more than 10 per cent at Tesco Express stores. The retail giant has made more than 2,800 price cuts across stores in recent months. With 2,048 of convenience stores at the end of the 2023-24 financial year, Tesco aims to benefit hundreds of thousands of customers from the cheaper deals.

Keep ReadingShow less
vape and cigarette
Photo: iStock

One in five ex-smokers in England now vape, study finds


Summary
1. One in five people who have successfully quit smoking in England currently vape, with an estimated 2.2 million individuals using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.
2. The increase in vaping among ex-smokers is largely driven by the use of e-cigarettes in quit attempts, with a rise in vaping uptake among people who had previously quit smoking for many years before taking up vaping.
3. While vaping may be a less harmful option compared to smoking, there are concerns about the potential long-term implications of vaping on relapse risk and nicotine addiction. Further research is needed to assess the impact of vaping on smoking cessation outcomes.


Keep ReadingShow less
Bira engages with Treasury on Budget fallout, business rate reform
(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Bira engages with Treasury on Budget fallout, business rate reform

Independent retailers association Bira has held a meeting with members of the Treasury team to discuss concerns following its robust response to the Government’s recent Budget announcement.

The Budget, labelled by Bira as "devastating" for independent retailers, was met with widespread indignation from Bira members.

Keep ReadingShow less