Morrisons set to close Rathbones bakery, 400 jobs at risk

Morrisons is preparing to close down its Rathbones bakery in a move that could put almost 400 jobs at risk, according to the BBC.

The supermarket initially acquired the bakery in 2005 but said it has struggled to make it profitable “for a number of years”.

Morrisons has now reportedly started a consultation over the closing of the West Yorkshire bakery, which is currently following a “thorough review”. 

The BBC reported that the retailer, which is owned by US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier and Rice, is looking at other options to continue producing baking goods at the site, in a move that could save some jobs. 

It is understood that the supermarket’s 450 in-store bakeries would not be affected by the potential closure.

A spokesperson told the BBC: “Although we have tried several routes to return the business to profitability, none have been successful.

“We will do everything we can to help those colleagues affected, including investigating whether there are any other suitable roles elsewhere in the group.”

Morrisons has been contacted for comment.