MPs set to accuse Kraft of acting irresponsibly

MPs are expected to say that Kraft acted irresponsibly and unwisely in making its original statement that it believed it could keep the Somerdale factory open.

Food giant Kraft is set to be heavily criticised by a committee of MPs over the way the firm handled its controversial takeover of Cadbury.

The Business Select Committee will publish a report after hearing evidence from the firm and union leaders who angrily attacked the pledges given by Kraft to keep open the Somerdale factory in Keynsham.

The US company changed its mind about keeping the plant open after the merger went through, which will lead to the loss of hundreds of jobs.

The Press Association understands that the report is set to accuse Kraft of leaving itself open to the charge that it was either incompetent in its approach to the Somerdale factory or that it used a "cynical ploy" to improve its public image during the takeover process.

The MPs are believed to have concluded that Kraft's reputation has been damaged in the United Kingdom and that its relationship with Cadbury has been affected.

It is understood that the MPs will tell Kraft it will have to invest significant time and effort in restoring its reputation and regaining the trust of the public, its workers in this country and the Government.

Kraft executives admitted to the committee last month that the firm's reputation had been hit and pledged to work to restore good relations.

The decision to press ahead with the closure of the Somerdale factory, and transfer work to Poland, will lead to the loss of 400 jobs.

No-one who gave evidence to the committee would comment ahead of the report's publication.