Thursday 28-09-2023 - 14:47

Whilst we are unable to comment on the Wandsworth incident, as it is very much an ongoing police investigation, we find it absurd and inaccurate that GMB would link this in any way to ongoing discussions over our pay offer, and find it wholly inappropriate and inflammatory to do so.

 

We are aware that GMB has released a media statement today following the rejection of a pay offer to employees represented by GMB union. Their statement was highly inflammatory and so we wanted to write to you to provide some context, as well as assurances.

 

We firstly want to assure you that negotiations have not broken down between ourselves and the unions and as a business we have proposed, as per our national agreement, to continue constructive dialogue through ACAS, which we believe to be the best possible next step in order to come to a resolution.

 

The offer that we’ve put forward is a strong and realistic deal for this year’s review, particularly off the back of the pay deal agreed in 2022. In fact, combined, this is a significant double-digit increase and positions us as a leading employer, paying favourable salaries within our industry - especially in the face of prevailing market conditions.

 

We want to reassure you that the majority of our operational workforce are not GMB members and we believe that this will in no way jeopardise our ability to deliver service excellence to our customers, and we are confident in our contingency plans, which we constantly assess and refine.

 

Finally, Bidfood prides itself on being a stable and secure business that invests heavily in its people and infrastructure. We have been listening to feedback and reinvesting into the business to ensure we can continue to be a highly attractive employer for both existing and new employees and in turn, maintain the highest levels of service to your business.

 

We will keep you informed of this situation, but we are hopeful we can come to a resolution.

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

Carole Lewis-Burling

Sales Director, Free Trade Multiple, Bidfood