WORKERS for suppliers who serve one of Bridgwater’s largest employers fear they could lose their jobs following a contract renewal. 

Concerns have been raised about the implications for employees who work for suppliers of Refresco, which employs over 700 people and is based at the Express Park in Bridgwater.

Refresco is a leading contract packer and drinks producer that creates label juices, juice drinks, carbonated soft drinks, mineral waters, ready-to-drink alcohol and freezable products. 

Employees have spoken of their concern about a contract renewal, which has seen a change to the allocation of transport activities. Workers claim that Refresco has “not informed the workforce who face lay-offs as a result" - a claim that Refresco refutes.

One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said that workers are “already leaving or applying for new jobs elsewhere” as a result.

“We are now all waiting to be told how they will be dealing with the TUPE arrangements if any”, the employee added.

TUPE refers to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, which may protect employees when a change of contract is initiated.

In response to the concerns raised, a spokesperson for Refresco said: “As part of our normal business processes, in which we continue to further optimise our operations, Refresco UK has recently completed a review of its UK transportation to serve our UK network - including the operations in Bridgwater.”

“The outcome from this review successfully retains the services of all of our current UK based service providers, with some changes to the allocation of transport activities.”

The spokesperson added: “These are currently under discussion with the relevant partners and as such, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”

“Having said that, while we understand any concerns employees that work for our suppliers might have following (potential) changes to their business, we are not directly involved in how suppliers manage these situations.”

“We encourage suppliers to communicate transparently with their employees.”