Unite, the UK’s leading union, has warned Nestle that the sale of Buxton water to private equity firm Platinum Equity must not be used as a cover to attack workers.

The union is concerned that Nestle, which will still retain a substantial interest in the business, will use the divestment to dilute pensions, benefits and terms and conditions and put jobs at risk.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The success of Nestlé’s UK bottled water business was built on the work of our members. Nestle and Platinum Equity now need to ensure that they are rewarded and that the benefits, protections and job security they have earned over many years of dedicated service are maintained.

“The new owners are on notice. If there are any attempts to attack the jobs, pay and conditions of Unite members on the back of this sale in order to line the pockets of investors, we will fight back.”

In October 2025, the Swiss-based food and drink company announced that it would be cutting 16,000 jobs across its worldwide operations.

In addition to the sale of its bottled water business, Nestle has already announced around 450 job cuts across its UK sites, which leaves the UK sites disproportionality affected in relation to the European market.

Nestle is also proposing to reduce engineering roles at its Halifax site by around 40 per cent. Nestle has refused to give assurances that the Halifax factory, which produces Quality Street and After Eight, is not at risk of closure.

Unite national officer for food, drink and agriculture, Pat McIlvogue, said: “Unite will fight tooth and nail for every job put at risk by Nestle. The company is chasing short term stock market gains at the expense of the long-term viability of its UK businesses. Unite will resist any and all attempts by Nestle to make its workers bear the brunt of its cost cutting.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.