Ethics in the digital workplace
Digitisation and automation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can affect working conditions in a variety of ways and their use in the workplace raises a host of new ethical concerns.
Müller has announced plans to close production at its dairy in Foston, Derbyshire. The closure will result in the loss of 223 jobs and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019. The company has claimed that the closure is a result of changing consumer tastes, meaning lower demand for its products. A consultation process identified Foston as the site to close, because its size meant that it cannot absorb production from other dairies. The USDAW trade union commented that the loss of the site was a major disappointment, but drew attention to the fact that it was able to secure enhanced redundancy terms as well as better relocation packages for employees who find alternative employment within the business.
When Müller last announced a major restructure in 2016, Foston and other sites were the recipients of significant investment.
Eurofound (2019), Müller Milk & Ingredients, Closure in United Kingdom, factsheet number 98100, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/98100.