Workers producing Tyrells crisps in Herefordshire have secured the right to negotiate collectively over pay, terms and working conditions following a new agreement between the company and GMB Union.
Around 130 employees at the Tyrells production site will be covered by the agreement, which was signed this week and represents the first formal union recognition deal at the Herefordshire facility.
Under the arrangement, GMB will be able to negotiate with the company on behalf of employees across a range of workplace issues, including an annual pay agreement. The deal gives workers formal representation at the negotiating table and establishes a framework for discussions between employees, union representatives and management.
First Union Agreement at Herefordshire Site
The agreement represents a significant development for the site, where Tyrells crisps are produced on the farm where the company was originally founded. The brand has become widely recognised across the UK snack market, with its hand-cooked crisps forming a major part of its product range.
GMB said the agreement follows sustained work by union representatives at the site and reflects growing interest among workers in the food manufacturing sector in securing formal representation over workplace matters.
Tom Warnett, GMB Senior Organiser, described the agreement as a landmark moment for employees at the company.
“This landmark deal is the first of its kind at this famous company – making some of the UK’s favourite crisps. It has come off the back of dedicated work by our GMB reps on site,” he said.
“We look forward to working together with the company to keep high quality jobs making a high quality product.
“Workers across Herefordshire and in food manufacturing across the country are organising through GMB Union to get a seat at the negotiating table. With new powers under the Employment Rights Act, this agreement is a sign of things to come.”
A Wider Focus on Food Manufacturing Employment
For the workers covered by the agreement, the new arrangement provides a formal channel through which issues including pay and employment conditions can be discussed collectively.
More broadly, the development highlights the continuing focus on employment conditions within the UK food manufacturing sector, where producers are balancing workforce requirements with the need to maintain efficient, reliable and high-quality production.
The agreement will now provide the basis for future negotiations between GMB representatives and the company, including discussions surrounding annual pay.
