New McCambridge Foods chief executive Gavin Cox has barely settled into his new office and already he faces the prospect of serious unrest at the company.

Unions have urged Cox, who was appointed this week, to meet unhappy workers at the former Inter Link cake factories the company acquired last year.

McCambridge, which makes speciality breads and cakes, bought Inter Link's own-label cakes and Soreen malt loaf businesses last July for £75m.

However, a union representative told The Grocer staff at the former Inter Link factories in Blackburn and Manchester were concerned by the terms and conditions of their employment and unhappy with the "faceless nature of McCambridge".

"We are seeking a ballot for strike action to get McCambridge's attention," said a union spokesman. "The company is making no effort to meet with its factory staff or union representatives and issues must be addressed immediately."

As The Grocer went to press on Thursday, a ballot of union members on potential industrial action was set to go ahead on Friday at the Blackburn and Manchester sites.

McCambridge's management team, including Cox, was unavailable for comment.

Cox joined McCambridge last year as group finance director, having previously worked for Dairy Crest's St Ivel dairy brand as financial director. He will lead the group's finance strategy and must maintain growth in a category hit by soaring raw ingredient costs.

Cox's experience was an asset for the future, said former group director Michael McCambridge .

"Gavin's knowledge of food manufacturing will enable our business to continue its strong performance and gain market share."

McCambridge was made deputy chairman in the reshuffle.

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