Long Sutton Princes staff to get pay rise worth 11.5 per cent

Hundreds of workers at Princes in Long Sutton will benefit from a pay rise worth 11.5%.

The union Unite said it has secured a deal for staff at the Bridge Road site - as well as those based in Bradford, Glasgow and Cardiff.

Staff will receive a seven per cent pay rise backdated to April 2022 plus a £750 one off payment. The deal was negotiated without the need for industrial action.

Union bosses say the company has also agreed to commence 2023’s pay talks in January and to establish a national staff forum for future negotiations.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is Unite doing exactly what it says on the trade union tin: Unite brings workers together, whether in individual workplaces, across businesses or even entire sectors, so they are in a stronger position to achieve improvements to their jobs, pay and conditions.”

Consumer giant Princes Group produces a range of products, including the Crosse & Blackwell, Crisp ‘n Dry and Napolina brands. It is owned by the Mitsubishi Corporation.

Unite national officer Joe Clarke said: “Unite leads the way in securing excellent pay awards for workers in food manufacturing and other sectors. This deal was achieved through the excellent solidarity of our Princes reps and members. It is yet another example of why those looking to better their wages and working conditions should join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”

There are 700 workers in total covered by the deal, but the majority are based in Long Sutton.