The Executioner/Undertaker moves in as AHDB announces winding down and redundancies

In light of the recent Horticulture and Potatoes No vote AHDB has today announced a significant winding down of its associated activities and the cessation of several projects/programmes to reduce its expenditure.

Big redundancies of up to an initial 140 people are on the cards to reduce the current AHDB employee numbers from almost 500 full time equivalents to 360 (-30%).

Most of these will be in Horticulture and Potatoes however redundancies are understood to cross other sectors like HR and Events etc. In addition, those who have recently resigned will not be replaced and temporary contracts not renewed.

Needless to say, the word amongst the staff today was that morale is close to rock bottom not helped by the fact the people Ian has spoken to are annoyed that CEO Nicolas Saphire has been in the position for 13 months and has not once been to visit the Stoneleigh office and has done everything remotely and virtually which is some achievement.

Another black cloud is the fact that the staff remaining on hearing today’s announcement will probably wait to see if they can get a redundancy payment before moving to pastures new. However, with a Ballot due on the other sectors in Spring of 2022 the word is plenty of AHDB’s best and more capable staff involved in other sectors are already seeking alternative employment.

However, one key decision remains with the Minster in deciding whether the Horticulture and Potato sectors have a future.

Its all going rapidly downhill now the executioner has moved into position.