AROUND 70 people could be made redundant at Lucozade Ribena Suntory in Coleford as the company is in talks to shake-up the way it operates.

Suntory says, subject to consultation, approximately 70 roles may be affected but a further 50 roles will be created.

A spokesperson for the soft drinks manufacturer added the job losses aren’t immediate.

The Review understands the redundancies were agreed with a union last Thursday afternoon.

The source, who didn’t wish to be named, said: “I believe that Suntory have announced 70 redundancies at its Coleford factory and they reckon this is only phase one.

“All middle management are apparently affected and the redun-

dancies were agreed in a meeting with union representatives on Thursday afternoon.”

The proposed staff changes come as part of the ongoing transformation process that has seen significant investment made into the site to ensure it’s sustainable in the long-term.

Lucozade Ribena Suntory manufacturing site director, Mick Pedder said: “In recent years it has become absolutely clear that both consumer needs and our external environment are changing and that we need to change too in order to ensure that we have a sustainable future at Coleford.

“We believe this proposal will ensure that we have a model which can deliver a world-class drinks manufacturing site that attracts investment and delivers for our customers.

“We will work closely with our employees throughout this process ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.

“Coleford remains an important site within the Lucozade Ribena Suntory family, and this ongoing transformation process will deliver a healthy future for our employees and customers.”

Suntory said the consultation period with all affected employees is expected to last for a minimum 45 days and no decision will be confirmed until after this time.