A REDUNDANCY deal has been accepted by the majority of staff at Irish Pride’s Keatings Bakery in Kanturk, Co Cork, which closed on March 16, writes Ann Marie Foley.

“People are very happy with the settlement terms which are five weeks per year of service and statutory notice where applicable,” said Martin Hanlon, regional officer, Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union.

Up to 10 van and sales staff and two dispatch staff retain their jobs at the site. The manufacturing function moves to the parent company, Irish Pride’s, Mayo and Wexford plants which have spare capacity. None of the other 76 full-time and 20 part-time staff will relocate.

The closure went ahead in spite of intervention with top management by two government ministers, Micheal Martin, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for State, Batt O’Keeffe.