Petition to save biscuit factory

A union has launched an online petition calling for a new biscuit factory to be built in Staffordshire.

Fox Biscuits wants to merge its plants in Uttoxeter, and Batley, West Yorkshire, and build a modern factory on one of the sites by 2011.

Northern Foods managers are expected to announce their final decision in March.

The union Unite said workers at the Uttoxeter plant, which employs about 950 people, were "determined to do everything they can" to save it.

The factory at Batley employs 1,280 staff.

'Must be saved'

The union said the factory was one of the last major employers in the area.

Northern Foods has said both factories were old and in need of investment.

Unite National Secretary Jennie Formby said: "We need as many people as possible to go online and sign up to the petition to demonstrate the massive strength of feeling on this issue.

Make no mistake - the closure of this site will be catastrophic to the local economy and community

Jennie Formby, Unite

"The Uttoxeter factory must be saved. So many Unite members and their family members before them have given so many years of loyal service.

"This factory also has a bright future ahead because this workforce is determined to make it so.

"But make no mistake - the closure of this site will be catastrophic to the local economy and community."

Janet Dean, MP for Burton-upon-Trent, said: "Generations of local people have worked for Fox's biscuits and it is vital for the welfare of the town that we retain Fox's, one of the few remaining major employers in the area.

"Unemployment levels have doubled in this area over recent times to give us one of the highest jobless rates in the West Midlands.

"The Unite campaign and this official petition will be a considerable boost in the fight to save the Uttoxeter site from closing."