What exactly is closing and how many jobs are affected?

Morrisons plans to close Rathbones Bakery in Wakefield, putting 115 roles at risk. The decision follows a review that found the site remained loss-making after a 2024 refocus on specialty items. In-store bakeries are unaffected, so shoppers should still find fresh bread and rolls in stores nationwide.

Will the morrisons bakery closure affect product availability in stores?

Morrisons says in-store bakeries will continue to operate, and supply will be supported by other sites and partners. Shoppers should still see core ranges on shelves. The change is targeted at one loss-making plant, not retail counters, which helps protect service levels and product availability.

Why is Morrisons closing the Wakefield bakery now?

The site stayed loss-making despite a 2024 move to specialty production. Closing a single unprofitable plant can lower fixed costs and help fund price cuts on 2,500 items. This fits broader UK supermarket restructuring as grocers balance sharper pricing with the need to protect margins and cash flow.

What should investors watch after this announcement?

Focus on cost savings versus promotion spend, store availability, waste, and private-label bread share. If the closure cuts losses and price cuts drive volume, margins could improve. Also monitor updates on redeployment, one-off costs, and any changes to supplier arrangements as production shifts to other sites.

Global Market Insights

January 11: Morrisons to close Rathbones Bakery; 115 jobs at risk

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

The morrisons bakery closure at Rathbones Bakery in Wakefield puts 115 jobs at risk and signals tough choices in UK supermarket restructuring. Morrisons says the site stayed loss-making even after a 2024 shift to specialty items. In-store bakeries will continue to operate, so product availability should remain stable. The move lands alongside fresh price cuts on 2,500 items, which aim to sharpen value and protect market share. We break down what this means for costs, jobs, and investor expectations in Britain’s grocery market.