Workplace Report November 2013

Bargaining news

Tasty package deal at Kettle Produce

Vegetable Supplier Kettle Produce has introduced a package of changes and is to review its distribution wage structure.

It raised the pay rate for packers by 1.25% on 1 July with a further increase to £6.31 an hour in October. The process workers’ rate went up to £6.40 on 1 July while the line operative rate went up to £7.00 (other hourly rates went up by 1.25%).

The package also included a one day increase to holiday entitlement from 1 September 2013 (replacing the current additional day for good attendance). Qualifying days for hourly sick pay have been reduced from three days to two, while weekly redundancy entitlement has been set at £50 more than the statutory rate.

The company has agreed to continue to review individual circumstances relating to known disabilities when reviewing procedures and considering disciplinary action.