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Mr Kipling maker Premier Foods is to offer 'trans inclusivity' training to all staff, in a further shake-up of workplace policies.
Premier Foods, which also makes Bisto and Batchelors brands, is launching "new modern workplace policies" which include providing online training for all 4,000 staff on menopause and how to cope with it, as well as practical tips for those working with colleagues going through menopause.
Menopause champions are set to host regular "menopause cafes" for colleagues to discuss their experiences, it said.
Yes the ESG brigade will love this ! That said the current Management have lifted PFD out of the ‘Darby Doldrums’ so no complaints from me. Fully expect to exit in a few years at a much better price !
I agree with you about the current management team. They have done very well over the last few years (helped by covid), to reduce debt and sort out the pensions.
I am however disappointed that they feel it necessary to add overheads to the business by following this virtue signalling garbage.
Even if you are against “woke”, which generally means against anti racism, anti sexism, but I’m sure that’s not you…. , in a time of labour shortage, any activity which attracts and retains employees is a good thing.
You are right Billyn, I don’t suffer from any kind of “ism”, but I am interested in your view that this stuff “attracts and retains employees”. I have been out of the workplace now for ten years (I used to work for PFD). Is there evidence that that is true ?
Fair question Dogger. The baseline that employees who feel valued are more motivated is not in dispute - hope. As is the current labour shortage. I am seeing- at the younger group, there is a demand for a more inclusive environment- I guess those who rail against woke describe them as “snowflake”. Down with inclusivity! At the upper age group, about 700k people have left the job market innsearch of more balanced life. That is why we have both high employment and less people in employment. Don’t think that’s a difficult concept, but appreciate for some it’s a bit too complicated. We need both of these groups in the labour - retain them and attract them.
Thanks for your views Billyn….I appreciate it.
Good to see some different views being discussed here on some potentially polarising topics. If only society took this approach!
Some of the other boards on LSE go mad over the slightest thing. You may have seen that i once referred to posts by Kallumama on here, used to be backed up with info, sometimes different. He moved to ASOS and IMHO was torn to shreds.
Just checked and he has not posted for months!
Any way Dogger , am interested to see you are an ex employee of PFD, I used to think go woke go broke, but now the shift has changed and actually it will be worth while to promote it.
My biggest concern in the current climate is the expected shift from premium brands to own label.
I actually think prem brands will still sell here in numbers, but can you confirm please if PFD make many own branded products for others?
Thanks.
Re own label vs premium, couldn’t agree more! And It is the Aldi and Lidl who have been winning during the last 12 years of reduced living standards- at least for the masses. The current environment will accelerate that- just like COvid accelerated internet / technology adoption. I suspect the super premium is also winning, but would love to have some evidence to support that.
In my day, no Loyd Grossman own label equivalent made by PF.
Hi Theleather1
Yes, Premier used to make own label products and I am sure that they still do. Back in my day 15 to 20 years ago they would use spare capacity in the factories to make own label products. It was always something that was second to brands because the margins are far less.
More recently Premier have concentrated on brands and that has been one of the reasons for the improved profitability.
Many thanks indeed. May i just ask then does the product vary if it goes own brand, you know like more % of a couple of the cheaper ingredients, maybe more sauce less pepper in a Sharwoods equivalent etc.
Can you see a time where you will be back in?
I sold half at £1.20 ish last week expecting to buy back in at £1.05-.07 ish, but it seems pretty solid.
I am holding though because I still feel there will be a take over bid eventually, also i am keen on the business long term, if it stays stable for a few weeks i will increase holding again, whether it is 1.10 or 1.20 ish, just need this next few weeks to re assure me, we currently are just about the right value price, whether there is good or bad news, i feel it will ride through it. Fingers crossed.
Also i can't see much undervalued personally, with out big risk
Hi Dogger, which products did (maybe still do) PF make own label equivalents? Pretty sure not cooking sauces, eg Sharwoods, Grossman, but I have no idea re Kipling, ambrosia etc.
Theleather1 and Billyn
I really don’t know which own label products PFD currently make. Almost certainly JS and Tesco own label cakes but I am out of touch with the detail these days.
The own label recipes were always different to the branded products and dictated by the customer themselves. Tesco own label recipe would be different to JS etc.
I was involved in the canning business before it was sold to Princes and I remember we used to make Tesco value baked beans…..they didn’t contain that many beans !!
The SP is very difficult to predict……I have been hopeful for a takeover but it is a long time coming. Remember Nissin have just increased their stake by 3% after buying oasis’s stake. They would obviously need to agree to any takeover attempt, so I guess that makes it more unlikely.
Also the government isn’t keen on American takeovers of Uk food manufacturers so I reckon the bid would have to either come from Japan or a Uk venture capitalist looking at a break up.
I sold half my shares a few days ago and can’t decide whether to buy them back for the divi. Ex divi date next week.
Without a takeover I can see the drifting further down. Not below £1 though. I guess buyers are not particularly attracted by a 1% divi ?
Dogger, Many thanks indeed for that info.
This won't add much to the costs just one or two extra salaries plus expenses going round the various sites where only the people who can be spared (office workers maintenance cleaners etc ) will be attending the courses no production will be lost and they can catch up on their work later I've seen many of this type of initiatives none of which had a lasting effect on production and thence profits etc.
Pleased to hear that…..I hope you are right.
And maybe even just a e-learning/box ticking exercise