RHM has declined to comment on allegations that suppliers to its Manor Bakeries division have been asked to make a 5% refund on invoices paid over the last 12 months.

An anonymous letter, sent to British Baker, suggests machinery manufacturers were invited to a meeting with Manor Bakeries’ procurement team earlier this year. Suppliers were allegedly told that Manor Bakeries wanted a payback on all invoices it had paid to suppliers in the last 12 months.

The letter alleged: “It was also made clear that it would be non-negotiable and, if this payment was not forthcoming, the company would be taken off Manor Bakeries’ suppliers list.”

RHM said: “As a matter of policy, RHM does not comment on its relationships with suppliers or customers.”