Treatment of workers at Orchard House Foods, Gateshead

That this House is shocked and angered by the treatment of workers made redundant at Orchard House Food’s Gateshead factory; notes that the company - which supplies companies such as Marks and Spencer, Morrisons and Pret a Manger - remains a going concern with some workers offered the chance to relocate to the Midlands; understands that the majority have been unable to relocate and were initially promised redundancy payments within two weeks of receiving their final pay slip, in most cases on 9 December; is outraged to learn that the workers have since been informed that there will be a delay in processing these redundancy payments until the New Year; is concerned about the impact on families now facing the prospect of Christmas without an income and yet to receive a penny of support from the company, leaving many worried about heating their homes or feeding their children; and calls on the management of Orchard House Foods to ensure that all redundancy payments are received in full prior to Christmas.