A major Colchester employer has dropped a planned change to a controversial shift pattern following strong opposition from workers and unions.

Bosses at Betts in Ipswich Road have decided it would not be in the best interest of the staff to make the changes.

They had proposed changing from a four-shift to a certain type of five-shift pattern for the plastics side of the business, about 115 of the 680-strong workforce.

The idea, meant to improve effeciency, was put out to consultation for a 30-day period among the staff and unions at the end of last month.

Eight group meetings were held with workers, who were also seen individually by management.

Many workers criticised the idea, saying it would affect their run of days off and was not family friendly. They were also unhappy because it would mean working Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Bosses have taken the comments and board and have ditched the idea and put in place a different five shift system, which starts in July, and gives staff more leeway with their run of time off. They will not have to work the two day Christmas break.

A Betts spokesperson said: "The company has responded to the workforce's concerns."

Although workers in the plastics department have welcomed the decision, some staff in the laminates section, which is working the controversial five shift system are angry."

They say it is not fair they have to work it when the proposal for the plastics side had been rejected.

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