Panic as Hula Hoops and McCoy’s ‘could vanish’ from shelves for 1 reason | UK | News
Britain’s beloved lunch snack could soon temporarily disappear from store shelves as workers at KP Snacks prepare for a potential strike. Products such as Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Pom-Bears and Discos are at risk of supply shortages after workers at the company’s Billingham factory in County Durham decided to take industrial action. The dispute arose after staff claimed they were required to undertake extra duties without additional pay.
Union leaders say tensions are rising at the Teesside site, where the company has reportedly increased workloads and expanded staff responsibilities without agreement. Employees are also upset that process workers now only take one rest break per shift. Security concerns were also raised during the dispute. Workers highlighted operational changes they believed could endanger staff, such as leaving heat exchangers running during breaks without proper supervision.
The GMB Union will meet with members to decide on specific strike dates that could bring production to a halt.
GMB Organizer Paul Clark said: “These workers are skilled, experienced and absolutely vital to keeping KP Snacks’ production lines running and supermarket shelves stocked.
“The company unilaterally expanded their roles, increased their workload, and expected them to take on additional responsibilities, without offering a single penny of pay.
“This is absolutely unfair and this is a critical time for KP Snacks.
“If the company wants to avoid empty shelves and disruption, it needs to come to the table with a serious offer that does justice to the work these staff do.”
KP Snacks responded by saying it had contingency plans to maintain supply.
A company spokesman said: “We are aware that a small number of employees represented by GMB at our Teesside site have taken action other than strike.
“We value our Teesside team and the important contribution they make and are committed to working constructively with them and GMB to reach a solution.
“Discussions are ongoing and we continue to encourage open and constructive dialogue to address the concerns raised.
“In the meantime, we have robust contingency plans in place to minimize any potential disruption and ensure continuity of supply for our customers.”
