BREADMAKER Hovis has announced plans to close its Southampton mill in the city docks.

Hovis says a review of its milling business found that the Southampton Mill was "significantly loss-making" and it proposes to cease operations at the site at the end of 2018

This would result in the loss of up to 71 jobs at the mill, including its laboratory. The proposals would also see the warehouse and logistics operations in DHL Southampton, HL Bawtry, DSV Belfast cease at the end of the year.

Nish Kankiwala, chief executive officer of Hovis Ltd said: “The proposed Southampton Mill closure is part of the process to future-proof our core baking business in the competitive market.

"Whilst we never take decisions such as these lightly, we firmly believe this is the right decision for the business and ensures Hovis will continue to grow and prosper as a great UK brand and bakery manufacturer Ina very competitive market place.

“Our priority now is to work with affected Milling colleagues and customers to minimize the impact on them.”