Staff at Sheffield bakery Fletchers have been holding talks with union representatives and legal advisers over proposed changes to their contracts, which they fear could cost them thousands of pounds in pay cuts.

Management at the plant in Claywheels Lane, Wadsley Bridge, revealed their plans on a company noticeboard (see British Baker, 14 September, pg 6).

The changes relate to cuts in holidays, overtime payments, Bank Holiday payments, shift premiums and rates for taking on roles with more responsibility.

Fletchers, which was part of Northern Foods until the company sold its speciality bakery products business to Vision Capital in November 2006, wants a five-day working week, not 24/7 shifts.

A 90-day consultation period with 550 staff at the bakery ends on 4 December.