Potential strike at Encirc plant could affect drinks bottle output
More than 100 workers at Encirc’s Elton site in Cheshire are balloting for strike action over proposed redundancies. The dispute could affect the production of bottles used by several leading drinks brands if industrial action proceeds later this month.
A potential disruption to the supply of glass bottles used by major drinks brands has emerged after workers at a key UK manufacturing site began a ballot for strike action.
According to a press briefing issued on 4 March by Unite the Union, more than 100 members at the Elton, Cheshire facility operated by Encirc are voting on industrial action in response to proposed redundancies.
Encirc plans to reduce headcount at the site by 28 roles. The positions affected include maintenance staff and employees involved in producing glass containers and bottles used in the site’s filling hall, where beverages are bottled and packaged.
The union states that members at the facility believe the redundancies would have a significant negative impact on worker wellbeing as well as health and safety.
The ballot is due to close on 12 March. According to Unite, strikes could begin in late March if workers support industrial action.
A key supplier to drinks brands
Encirc manufactures and fills glass bottles for a wide range of drinks producers, including brands such as Jameson, Baileys, Budweiser and Coors, alongside supermarket own-label wines.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the company’s financial performance made the redundancy plan difficult to accept. According to the union statement, she said: “It is wrong that a successful company such as Encirc is choosing to put profits over people and is seeking to cut our hardworking members’ jobs.
“Unite will fight these redundancy plans every step of the way and our members at Encirc have our full support throughout this dispute.”
As reported by Unite, Encirc’s parent company Vidrala recorded a net profit exceeding £192m in its full year 2025 results.
Partner Content
Union seeks alternative solutions
Unite regional officer Andrew Johnson said discussions had taken place but had not led to an agreement.
He said: “Unite has been looking for a resolution to this dispute, however Encirc appear to have made their minds up and are not prepared to consider alternatives.
“Our members believe balloting for strike action is the only way to make their concerns heard. Encirc still has a chance to avoid strike action but that involves management revisiting these plans.”
Unite also states that although Encirc holds some stock in its warehouse, industrial action at the Elton site could have a significant impact on the supply of bottles or containers produced there.
Company rejects shortage fears
Encirc disputes the suggestion that the ballot could lead to shortages in the drinks market.
In a statement shared with the drinks business, an Encirc spokesperson said: “There absolutely will not be any wine or beer shortages in the UK.”
The spokesperson said the matter began in early summer last year when the company started a restructuring programme across its three UK sites. According to the company statement, the process has taken place in consultation with the trade union and employees.
The company also said most of the workers affected have already left the business and that the restructuring programme is close to completion.
Encirc stated that glass production in the UK has experienced a downturn during the past 18 months due to cost-of-living pressures, high energy costs and government policy, including the Extended Producer Responsibility packaging tax.
The spokesperson added that the business remains positioned to attract future investment and to continue supplying billions of bottles and jars to food and drinks producers, adding that contingency plans are in place and that the company remains open to dialogue with the union.
Related news
Steven Bartlett had three glasses of wine. The rest of us had a Thursday
Josh Hart 'breaks internet' for bringing glass of red to press conference
