Supermarket giant Morrisons has announced plans to shut down a major bakery manufacturing plant, putting more than a hundred jobs at immediate risk.
Wakefield Site Faces Closure
Morrisons confirmed it will close its Rathbones Bakery facility in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The company informed 115 staff members of the proposal on Monday, 5 January 2026, and has immediately entered into a consultation process. This move follows a previous restructuring effort in early 2025 that failed to secure the site's future.
Challenging Market Conditions Blamed
A spokesperson for Morrisons explained the difficult decision, citing a perfect storm of negative factors. The bakery market has become increasingly challenging, with the business suffering from a sharp decline in volumes and sales.
This was exacerbated by the loss of a major third-party customer. Rising costs and the return of inflation have also severely impacted the competitiveness of the operation.
"Despite a tremendous effort by the whole team to develop new markets, the sales performance has fallen well below that envisaged by the recovery plan, with the business continuing to report significant losses," the representative stated.
A History of Struggles and Redundancies
This is not the first time the Wakefield site has faced closure. It was originally slated to shut in 2024, but Morrisons opted instead to reduce its output. At that time, more than 100 staff members accepted voluntary redundancy.
The site, which operates under the Myton Foods production arm, also suffered the blow of losing a significant external contract last year, which further contributed to the current decision.
"Regrettably, having thoroughly reviewed all alternatives, we can no longer see a way back to breakeven and have taken the difficult decision to close the remaining facility," the Morrisons spokesperson added.
The company has emphasised its commitment to supporting affected colleagues, stating it will work to identify any suitable alternative roles available elsewhere within the Myton Group.
