LAID-OFF Elisabeth the Chef staff plan to mark the factory’s closure in style – with an 80s-themed party in Worcester.
A ticketed bash is planned for tomorrow night after the final formal day of operation at the large plant and hundreds of job losses.
The organisers have invited the ‘cake crew family’ past and present to enjoy ‘one last dance’ and share memories from over the years.
Memories
One former worker, who did not want to be named, said: “This isn’t a company-organised event.
“It has been put together by the employees ourselves as a way of saying goodbye, celebrating the friendships and memories created over many years, and marking the end of an important chapter for many Worcester families.
“It should be a really special evening for everyone after so many years working together.”
It comes after the owners of the chilled desserts manufacturer told the government they intended to make all 367 staff redundant and close the plant in Lower Broadheath on August 14.
READ MORE: Hundreds lose jobs as major factory becomes a ‘ghost town’ days before closure
QUESTIONS: The factory in Worcester is said to be facing closure (Image: Newsquest)
Dance
Although it’s not clear how many people have lost their jobs, one former employee described the site as a “ghost town” this week.
The final day brings an end to an era spanning more than three decades, including the 90s boom years when the historic West Midlands baker had a tie-up with the Spice Girls.
The government has made its Rapid Response Service – deployed where companies make more than 20 redundancies – available.
But ex-workers are planning to go out on a high at the Worcestershire County Cricket Club, who have helped make the party happen.
A flyer reads: “Let’s celebrate the past, enjoy the present and dance into the future!”
READ MORE: ‘Time to say goodbye’ Shock as hundreds of workers ‘face redundancy’ at factory
History
The cake-maker has been at the plant, previously occupied by Broadheath Foods, since September 1995.
In its 90s-heyday, the brand had a partnership with the FA Premier League and at one point made Spice Girls celebration cakes.
Country Style acquired the factory, which produces chilled desserts, cream cakes and hot puddings, from the French Senoble Group in November 2017.
Earlier this year, the Leeds-based owners submitted a HR1 form to the government giving advanced notification of 367 possible redundancies and proposed site closure.
They cited lack of demand for products as the reason for the cuts.
Country Style has not responded to repeated requests for comment.
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