Hovis has confirmed that almost 50 jobs are “at risk” at its crumpet and bread factory in Wigan. 

Staff at the bread plant in New Springs were reportedly informed yesterday that bosses plan to make 48 redundancies with consultations between Hovis and union officials now taking place.

A representative for Hovis commented: “Due to ongoing pressure and changes in the bread market, unfortunately it has become necessary for us to review our production levels. As a result 48 roles at our Wigan Bakery are at risk. We are consulting with the colleagues affected by this very difficult decision. No other bakeries are impacted.”

They confirmed that Hovis has started the consultation process.

The redundancies may come as a shock following Hovis’ stronger performance of late, which has seen it take second place in the big three, behind Warburtons and ahead of Kingsmill.

Hovis has also just appointed its long-awaited chief executive, former Dairy Crest managing director Martyn Wilks, following Bob Spooner’s departure three months previously.