The GMB Union has said 40 jobs at the Knottingley and Leeds Verallia sites are at risk of redundancy due to Glass Packaging Tax pressures
Verallia in Knottingley(Image: Google Maps)
Dozens of positions are under threat at glass manufacturing facilities in West Yorkshire as formal consultation proceedings get under way.
The GMB Union has confirmed that 40 roles at Verallia’s Knottingley and Leeds sites face potential redundancy. The union attributes this situation to insufficient Governmental backing on new environmental measures.
The union reports that consultation discussions have commenced to reduce the workforce at these plants following the consequences of the Glass Packaging Tax. Introduced in April 2025 under the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, this legislation requires producers to bear the costs of collection, recycling, and disposal for their packaging materials.
Charges are determined by the weight and recyclability of materials, which means heavier substances such as glass incur substantially higher fees than lighter alternatives.
Darran Travis, GMB regional organiser, said: “This is devastating news for the industry and the local community. Glass manufacturing is not operating on a level playing field. With the Glass Packaging Tax, rising energy costs, and higher employer contributions: we warned the Government jobs would go.”, reports Yorkshire Live.
He added: “If these policies are not reversed, there is no future for glass bottle manufacturing in the UK. GMB is calling for urgent Government intervention to prevent further decline across the glass manufacturing sector.”
A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs commented: “Extended Producer Responsibility moves the cost of dealing with waste away from taxpayers, generating over £1 billion annually. These changes are backing British business with major investment and creating 25,000 jobs. We continue to work closely with the glass industry on this programme.”
Verallia has been approached for a response.