Morrisons has revealed plans to close its Rathbones Bakery site in Wakefield, a move that puts more than a hundred jobs in jeopardy and reignites concern about the future of food manufacturing in the region. The announcement follows a period of downsizing at the facility and comes as the supermarket chain balances cost-saving measures with customer-facing price cuts.
Details of the closure and who it affects
The company says the 28,000-square-foot bakery will be closed after a full review of its viability. About 115 employees are now facing the prospect of redundancy as a result of the proposal.
- The closure follows earlier restructuring that left the site operating at reduced capacity.
- This is the second time in recent years that closure plans have emerged for the Wakefield facility.
- Morrisons emphasizes consultations will begin with staff and unions where required.
Reasons behind the decision and next steps for the site
Morrisons reports that the bakery is no longer financially sustainable despite attempts to find alternatives. The retailer is considering selling the premises or repurposing it within its wider group operations.
The company says it exhausted options before deciding there was no clear path back to breakeven for the plant.
- Options under review include a sale of the site or a change of use.
- Staff redeployment across the Myton Group is being explored.
- Formal redundancy consultations are expected if no viable alternative is found.
Rathbones Bakery: history and significance to Wakefield
Rathbones traces its roots back more than a century and became part of Morrisons in 2005. The acquisition at the time rescued the business from administration and integrated its products into the supermarket’s supply chain.
Local suppliers, retailers and town workers now face uncertainty if the site closes. In-store bakery counters at Morrisons will continue to operate unaffected.
Employee support and what to expect during consultations
Morrisons has pledged to support staff affected by the proposal. That support may include redeployment and help finding alternative roles within the parent group.
- One-to-one meetings and formal consultation periods.
- Help with applications for other positions within the Myton Group.
- Access to redundancy pay or transitional support where applicable.
Union engagement and legal consultation processes will shape any final redundancy decisions. Timelines will depend on outcome of these talks and on whether a buyer or new use is found for the facility.
Wider business context: restructuring and customer pricing
The closure comes as Morrisons continues broader restructuring across its operations. At the same time, the supermarket has launched a campaign to cut prices on thousands of everyday items.
Company officials say the price reductions cover fresh produce, meat and fish, cupboard staples and household cleaning products. The retailer frames the move as part of its promise to help shoppers manage budgets in the new year.
- Price cuts affect both stores and online ranges.
- Marketing leaders are urging customers to take advantage of the reductions.
- The chain balances internal savings with public commitments to value.
Local reaction and economic implications
Community leaders and local representatives are expected to press Morrisons for clarity on redundancy timelines and on plans to reinvest in the area. A closure of this scale could ripple through the supply chain and local services.
For residents and employees, the coming weeks will be a period of consultation and, potentially, uncertainty as the supermarket works through options for the site and staff.
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