BAKERY firm Warburtons wants to introduce a new shift pattern for its workers which would mean them working on four days -- and then having the next four off.

It is in talks with the trade union officials over the new system that could affect hundreds of its employes in Bolton.

The bakery describes it as a continental-style shift. But its employees fear it could mean reduced working hours.

The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union is negotiating with Warburtons -- which owns the Variety Bakery at Back of Bank House, Hereford Street, and another bakery in Britannia Way -- to discuss what effect the shift pattern will have on pay packets.

But one Variety Bakery worker said he feared the new system could mean a £60 cut in his weekly pay. He explained that currently production staff work a 21day shift which works out as seven days on, five days off, four days on, one day off, two days on and then two days off.

The proposed continental shift would mean workers would work four days on, four days off, four nights on then four days off.

He said this would increase production levels for the company but he fears that the new shift could cut his 48-hour week to 43 hours, resulting in a £60 pay cut. And he also fears that the new shift would mean he would have to work more weekends.

Roy Streeter the Manchester District Secretary of the BFAWU said its first meeting with the bakery, which had also involved representatives from the Variety Bakery, had been "very positive."

"It was very progressive and came up with different ideas," he said.

He added: "Negotiations are very delicate a the moment. I can understand people being worried but the company is going away to consider." They are not going to enforce the shift pattern. "The company has taken on board our concerns. He added that the company was going "from strength to strength" which was good for the trade union and its members. A Warburtons spokesman said: "Warburtons is in the early stages of negotiations with the baker's union to introduce a continental style shift consisting of four on and then four off, which will improve production processes and working practices, to better meet the needs of its customers.

"Warburtons will continue to discuss and meet with the trade unions to achieve a workable and agreed solution." Warburtons has 11 bakeries across the country, employing more than 3,000 people and producing more than 2 million loaves, rolls and crumpets every day.

BAKERY firm Warburtons wants to introduce a new shift pattern for its workers which would mean them working on four days -- and then having the next four off.

It is in talks with the trade union officials over the new system that could affect hundreds of its employes in Bolton.

The bakery describes it as a continental-style shift. But its employees fear it could mean reduced working hours.

The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union is negotiating with Warburtons -- which owns the Variety Bakery at Back of Bank House, Hereford Street, and another bakery in Britannia Way -- to discuss what effect the shift pattern will have on pay packets.

But one Variety Bakery worker said he feared the new system could mean a £60 cut in his weekly pay. He explained that currently production staff work a 21day shift which works out as seven days on, five days off, four days on, one day off, two days on and then two days off.

The proposed continental shift would mean workers would work four days on, four days off, four nights on then four days off.

He said this would increase production levels for the company but he fears that the new shift could cut his 48-hour week to 43 hours, resulting in a £60 pay cut. And he also fears that the new shift would mean he would have to work more weekends.

Roy Streeter the Manchester District Secretary of the BFAWU said its first meeting with the bakery, which had also involved representatives from the Variety Bakery, had been "very positive."

"It was very progressive and came up with different ideas," he said.

He added: "Negotiations are very delicate a the moment. I can understand people being worried but the company is going away to consider." A Warburtons spokesman said: "Warburtons is in the early stages of negotiations with the baker's union

"Warburtons will continue to discuss and meet with the trade unions to achieve a workable and agreed solution." Warburtons has 11 bakeries across the country, employing more than 3,000 people and producing more than 2 million loaves, rolls and crumpets every day.