The impact of industrial action at Pladis’ McVitie’s factory in Aintree Liverpool is begining to bite in local shops, with Nisa warning partnered stores of low or no availability on more than 30 important biscuit, cracker and snack lines.

A statement published by Nisa on 6 December and seen by Better Retailing revealed there “hasn’t been any production taking place’ at the site. The wholesaler also said the industrial action is hitting lines key for many customers during the Christmas period.”

These include nearly 20 Jacob’s cracker, Cheddar and Mini Cheddar lines, Twiglets, Club biscuits and TUC biscuits.

“There is currently limited or no availability,” Nisa explained.

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More than 750 of the factory’s 800 workers organised by union GMB downed tools went on “permanent strike” nearly a month ago. They had pledged not to return until parent company Pladis was prepared to negotiate on its below-inflation pay offer. Better Retailing understands an agreement between staff and Pladis has now been reached.

A spokesperson for the supplier said on 8 December: “We greatly value our workforce so we are pleased to have reached an agreement with the GMB and its members at Aintree. This is a positive step forward as we can now come back together as a team to serve the needs of our customers and make the great British products that our consumers know and love.”

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