KP factory Hellaby: Snack shortage fears as workers at Rotherham factory balloted on strike

Workers at the food giant KP’s factory at Hellaby, near Rotherham, which produces Hula Hoops, Skips and KP Nuts - are to hold a vote on industrial action today (Monday).

The Unite union says the firm's 135 staff are demanding a fair portion of the company's earnings after profits grew 275 per cent in five years.

And reps have warned if they decide to take industrial action, KP's only nut-producing factory would shut, which would disrupt supplies supplies to pubs and supermarkets.

A spokesman said KP Snacks had made £54 million in profit since 2018 - a massive increase of 275 per cent over the past five years. But workers are angry that average pay had fallen in real terms by 14% over the same period.

The current offer is a 6 per cent increase plus a £1000 one-off payment, but the union says the lowest paid cleaners - on just £10.66 an hour - were excluded from this.

KP Nuts, which has been around since 1953, have become a fixture in boozers - with punters often tucking into their 'Original Salted Peanuts' with pints of beer.

But Unite said its only factory, based in Hellaby near the M18, could be forced to close for a period if its members choose to collectively walk off the site.

Unite regional officer, Chris Rawlinson said: "KP Snacks in Rotherham is the sole producer of KP Nuts. So if the strikes go ahead pubs and supermarkets will be hit hard. Unite members are determined to get a fairer portion of the company's huge profits. It's time for management to put a serious pay offer to the workforce."

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham added: "KP Snacks has increased its profits by 275 per cent since 2018. This year workers won't accept being paid peanuts.

"To exclude the lowest paid workers from the pay negotiations all together is corporate greed in action. Especially when KP Snacks made £54 million in profit. The workers have Unite's steadfast support."

KP Snacks have been contacted for comment.