Speedibake workers offered places on new training scheme as site set for closure

The company last week announced their intentions to close their Wakefield site, which was badly damaged in a fire last month.

Having undertaken an investigation, the company said they had concluded that "the financial cost and time needed to undertake a full rebuild is simply too great".

They have now entered a consultation period, and are accepting alternative plans, but have acknowledged that the announcement is likely to be "deeply upsetting" to staff.

More than 100 staff are believed to have been affected by the closure.

Following on from this, Wakefield Council have confirmed they will invite all Speedibake staff to take part in their Step-Up service, which helps unemployed people find work and develop their skills.

Coun Darren Byford, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Regeneration, said: “Speedibake has been a long established company in Wakefield and we feel incredibly sad about the announcement that the company is looking to potentially close the site, and understand the effect that this would have on workers’ lives.

“We want to help, and through Our Step-Up programme we can support people to navigate their way to new roles, or access the training they need for the next stage of their careers.

“We are working with Speedibake to make sure that, if the site does close, those affected are aware of the scheme and the support we can provide.”

Wakefield MP Imran Ahmad-Khan also met with Speedibake's Managing Director, Steve Barton, on Saturday, and expressed his wishes for the company to remain in the city.

Step-Up, which is open to every resident in the Wakefield district, offers support including advice on job applications, practising interview skills and CV preparation.

Visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/step-up for more information.