'Completely out of the blue': Locals react as Greggs factory in Seaham faces closure
Locals have spoken out after bakery giant Greggs announced plans to close its Seaham manufacturing operations as part of a series of cuts which could see hundreds of jobs lost nationwide.
The High Street chain said the changes will be rolled out over the next two-and-a-half years as it looks to streamline operations and prepare the business for the future.
Greggs operates from a factory in Fox Cover Industrial Estate, Seaham, and it is understood that non-Greggs food is also manufactured at the site.
One agency worker at the factory, who does not wish to be named, said: “We were on the shop floor when all of the contracted staff went upstairs. They then came down and broke the news to us.
"It was completely out of the blue. No one expected it.”
Another employee said that they were told they could be facing redundancy in 18 months.
Seaham councillor, Andrew Harrison, said: “It’s difficult enough for young people to find jobs in the area, what with the hospitality demise due to prices, the time of year and all the other challenges we face, including national insurance.
"To see a local company with a good reputation for employing people closing their Seaham operations is a huge blow for the area.
"I am unsure how many people will be left or how many have been made redundant or laid off.
"I presume a few will be from the local area.”
The number of jobs facing the axe at Seaham is still to be confirmed.
Grahame Morris, MP for Easington, said: "The announcement from Greggs today will cause real anxiety for workers in Seaham.
"Greggs is a successful, growing business and it is deeply worrying that loyal staff, many with decades of service, now face uncertainty in the name of ‘efficiency’.
“The workers at Seaham have helped build Greggs into the national success story.
"They kept production going through restructures, rising demand and difficult years for the whole country.
"They should not simply be cast aside as the company moves into its next phase of growth.”
He added: “For Seaham, this is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet. These are people with mortgages to pay, families to support and a vital role in our local economy.
"The community deserves clarity, fairness and respect.”