Chloe Smith: Britvic and Unilever Update

Chloe Smith continues to work for a positive outcome for constituents employed at Britvic and Unilever in Norwich.

 

This week Chloe spoke with the Agriculture and Food Minister, George Eustice, to seek DEFRA’s influence on Unilever’s decision and to confirm what relevant may be support available through his department and what funding programmes may be relevant for options within the supply chain, as the Colman's brand uses crops from a close radius of Norwich and across East Anglia. The Government's Industrial Strategy shows strong support for agricultural innovation and there is a programme of funds available to support innovation in food processing.

 

Last week Chloe spoke with the Department for Work and Pensions to make sure their Rapid Response service is available for the workforce of both companies if it becomes necessary.  Chloe has also spoken with Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to make sure he is fully aware of the situation, not just in terms of the impact on jobs at the two sites, but about the wider impact for the supply chain and other jobs in the local area - as well as Norwich's community and heritage. She has also spoken to the Minister for International Trade to seek information about how his department could help.  

 

Chloe has also spoken to senior management at the two companies and has been liaising with constituents, unions, Norfolk County and Norwich City Councils and the Local Enterprise Partnership.

 

Chloe said, “I know this a difficult and uncertain time for everyone working for Britvic and Unilever in Norwich.  We need to continue to make the case for both businesses staying in Norwich and I hope that the public will continue to demonstrate the strength of feeling there is for these sites to remain open. I have worked hard behind the scenes in Parliament and with the companies so far and will carry on doing so to support my constituents."