Hadfields bakery customers 'gutted' as jobs gone but some point the finger

Customers of Huddersfield bakery firm Hadfields have expressed sadness after the company announced job losses and shop closures. But some blamed the company's problems on price rises, saying the cost of items such as sandwiches had got too high.

News of the job losses and shop closures was announced to staff at 9pm on Friday and confirmed at a meeting at the bakery HQ on Monday afternoon. The exact number of job losses has not been disclosed but around 70 people worked there in 2023. Staff were laid off and told that their wages would not be paid due to 'cash flow issues'.

Hadfields has been serving the people of Huddersfield for over 60 years and had 13 shops, mostly across Huddersfield. People, including customers and friends of Hadfields staff, took to the YorkshireLive Facebook page to air their views at the company's demise.

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Beverley Shaw said: "Hadfield was a well recognised name. So sad for employees. Did see our local one really deteriorate though in last few years so possibly to be expected."

Lynn Irving posted: "My friend's daughter ran one of their branches single handed. She had to start early to cook everything for hot sandwiches. Then start to prepare everything for cold sandwiches. It was ridiculous really needed another pair of hands."

Noel Ward wrote: "Very sad day for all the staff. Hadfields has only itself to blame. Price hikes around 4-5 years ago started your downfall. It became too expensive for the average working person to use."

Nicola Washington said: "Some shops were shut on Friday. Will miss my sarnies from there despite the extortionate prices they did fill them well. But to say they were a bakery shop not much selection in baked products not just recently."

Sheena Stanley wrote: "Not bought a sandwich from there for years as so expensive, ham and cucumber £5.50 could have got a meal deal for less elsewhere."

Jessica Walker said: "Went into Slawit shop and they had no bacon or potatoes for jackets."

Darren Johnson posted: "Prices were off the scale high."

Niall Wilson said: "Too many big chains now doing sandwiches etc."

Jo Raper wrote: "Well that's both awful and sad."

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