‘The proposed changes are intended to ensure the business remains sustainable and well positioned for the future’
Jacksons bakery(Image: pharbour)
More than 20 jobs are at risk at a historic Hull bakery amid rising industry challenges, it has emerged. Jacksons Bakery – famed for its sliced Jacksons of Yorkshire loaves which are sold in thousands of supermarkets across the UK – forms part of the William Jackson Food Group, the successful family firm founded in Hull in 1851.
Over the years, the business – a sixth-generation family business – has grown to employ more than 2,000 people across a range of food businesses including Abel & Cole, Wellocks, Lottie Shaw’s, Belazu and Miso Tasty.
However, the company has now confirmed that a number of redundancies are set to be made at the Hull site, in the wake of a number of challenges within the industry.
A spokesman for William Jackson Food Group confirmed a consultation process is now under way. The statement from the group said: “Jacksons has announced a proposed restructuring of its bakery business in response to ongoing cost and volumes challenges across the bakery industry.
“After a careful review of its operating model, the proposed changes shared on 30 June with our recognised unions and colleagues are intended to ensure the business remains sustainable and well positioned for the future. Jacksons emphasised that this was not a decision taken lightly and remains committed to supporting colleagues throughout the consultation process.”
The group hasn’t shared final numbers because it is also calling for volunteer redundancies. However, Jacksons confirmed that more than 20 roles are proposed to be impacted, triggering the start of a collective consultation taking place through July.
Founder William Jackson originally started selling bread from his grocery stores in the 1880s. Jacksons Bakery then started producing bread on its current site in Derringham Street, Hull, in 1907 and expanded to open its second bakery in Corby eight years ago as demand for its tiger, multiseed, multigrain, super-seeded and soft white bloomers grew.
Jacksons bakery products are sold in stores across the UK including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Coop, Nisa, Booths and through Ocado, while its wholesale division also supplies coffee shops, restaurants and pubs.
In May, William Jackson Group, which has its head office in Hessle, was one of three Hull and East Yorkshire companies to be recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work list for 2026. To feature on the list, companies must achieve a staff engagement score of at least 70%.
The group scored highly for its wellbeing and rewards platform provided by Reward Gateway, which gives access to a free online GP, 24/7 emotional support, financial and legal guidance, and discounts at more than 900 retailers. It also offers grants for carers, tailored assistance for those experiencing domestic abuse, and paid volunteering days. Twice yearly, small thank-you gifts are also delivered to employees’ at their homes.
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