UNITE has warned of potential job losses after Tesco’s “abrupt and brutal” termination of a job contract in Staffordshire.

The contract that the supermarket giant offered Kerry Foods to produce ready-made meals is due to end in June 2019. It accounts for 75 per cent of production at the plant in Burton-upon-Trent.

Unite the union, which represents half of the plant’s workers, has accused Tesco of creating “great uncertainty” by cancelling the contract, which has been upheld with no complaint for 19 years.

Unite regional officer Rick Coyle said: “Tesco has abruptly terminated the contract for Kerry Foods to supply ready-made meals for its supermarkets.

“Management is currently looking for new contracts to replace the business that will be lost.”

Paying tribute to the employees who have continued to work to a “dedicated standard,” Mr Coyle said that Unite is doing all it can to procure work for the site.