Bezier in talks with Wakefield staff as screen work falls

Bezier has entered into consultation with 31 staff at its Wakefield plant following a fall in demand for the company's screen printing service.

The group reported suffering a reduction in screen printing volumes but said that its litho, digital and creative offerings have helped offset this problem area.

The move comes three months after the group cut 73 jobs at its Bristol-based manufacturing arm as it consolidated its Bristol manufacturing site into its 13,500sqm Thurrock, Essex premises.

Mark Shaw, chief executive of Bezier, said that he is seeking to reposition the affected staff in other roles in the group where possible.

He added: "The loss of these staff is obviously tragic for those concerned and their families but the number does not represent a huge percentage of our overall employees.

"The recent cuts will ensure that Bezier is well positioned to work efficiently going forward: continuing to deliver excellent service and value to customers. We have seen opportunities opening overseas and continue to evolve our European focus."

The Bezier Group employs 1,000 people across the group, 485 of whom work at the Wakefield site. The 31 staff were put into a 30-day consultation period as of yesterday (29 January).