Unite calls for 'Cadbury law' to protect British businesses

Workers' union, Unite, has made further calls this week for a law to protect British companies from what they have called 'predatory takeovers', such as Kraft's controversial buying of Cadbury in 2010.

Jennie Formby, who is Unite's National Officer for Food and Drink, Unite, said that it was clear that the government was procrastinating over bringing in a so-called Cadbury law that many feel is "overwhelming, imperative and urgent."

She explained that it would prevent large-scale takeovers that are solely driven by short-term profits, without concern for a company's products and workforce.

"Since last year's takeover, the government has been very silent on the need for a Cadbury Law which would protect viable British companies from predatory takeovers from financial institutions which have no real interest in the long-term welfare of the company, its employees and product development," she said.

"If the government is really serious about having a vibrant manufacturing policy to help us out of the economic mire, a Cadbury Law should be an integral part of such a strategy - but ministers appear to be dragging their feet."

Ms Formby spoke out after Kraft's chief executive, Irene Rosenfeld, deferred for a third time her appearance before the Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Select Committee, which is looking into the sale. In her place she sent the company's corporate affairs director, Marc Firestone.

Share this article

Latest Businesses for Sale

View more businesses for sale