Press Release
06/08/2025
For Immediate Release
A former Walkers employee has settled a legal case against the snack company after suffering long-term hearing damage working in its factory.
Leicestershire resident Peter Berry was awarded £2,552 in compensation for hearing loss caused by years of exposure to excessive workplace noise without hearing protection.
Peter, now 47, began working for Walkers when he was 17.
Between 1995 and 2000, he regularly worked 12-hour shifts surrounded by loud machinery, forklifts, and lorries.
Despite continuous noise, he was never provided with adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or warned of the long-term risks to his health.
A routine hearing test last year revealed that his hearing was that of a 60-year-old and had significantly deteriorated since he started working at the factory.
Peter said: “There were eight machines in the factory, forklifts and lorries, which meant it was noisy all the time, and you’d have to shout or use hand signals.
“Even the canteen was noisy, you couldn’t get away from it. The noise was always there in the background.
“They gave us hairnets and overalls to protect their products, but nothing was supplied to protect us.
“Bigger companies always think that they can get away with blue murder.”
The case, which formed part of a wider legal claim involving three employers over an 11-year period, was settled predominantly by Walkers, now trading as PepsiCo Foods and Beverages International Ltd.
Liability was initially denied by all defendants, and the case was hard fought from the outset.
Matthew Patterson, Litigation Executive at Veritas Solicitors LLP, said: “Peter’s case highlights the lasting impact that unsafe working environments can have on employees, particularly when basic protections like hearing equipment are ignored.
“His story should serve as a reminder to both employers and workers that health and safety must be prioritised.”
Peter added: “It was all about profit. The company wasn’t bothered about people.
“If you needed the toilet, you had to raise your hand so the line leaders could cover you, because for every minute that machine was down, the company was losing money.”
Peter now works for a different company that offers full PPE, including hearing protection. He is hopeful that his story will encourage others in similar situations to come forward with claims.
He continued: “A lot of the older generation will have been worse off than me, but they wouldn’t speak up, they just got on with it.
“If you’re working in a factory and you think something’s not right, you need to say something, and if they don’t do anything, you need to speak to a solicitor.”
Faraz Fazal, Managing Partner of Veritas Solicitors, added: “We’re proud to have supported Peter in securing justice after years of being exposed to harmful working conditions. This case highlights how large corporations too often overlook basic protections in pursuit of profit.
“Veritas Solicitors is committed to standing up for workers whose health has been compromised and ensuring they receive the redress they deserve.”
Leicestershire resident Peter Berry was awarded £2,552 in compensation for hearing loss caused by years of exposure to excessive workplace noise without hearing protection.
Peter, now 47, began working for Walkers when he was 17.
Between 1995 and 2000, he regularly worked 12-hour shifts surrounded by loud machinery, forklifts, and lorries.
Despite continuous noise, he was never provided with adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or warned of the long-term risks to his health.
A routine hearing test last year revealed that his hearing was that of a 60-year-old and had significantly deteriorated since he started working at the factory.
Peter said: “There were eight machines in the factory, forklifts and lorries, which meant it was noisy all the time, and you’d have to shout or use hand signals.
“Even the canteen was noisy, you couldn’t get away from it. The noise was always there in the background.
“They gave us hairnets and overalls to protect their products, but nothing was supplied to protect us.
“Bigger companies always think that they can get away with blue murder.”
The case, which formed part of a wider legal claim involving three employers over an 11-year period, was settled predominantly by Walkers, now trading as PepsiCo Foods and Beverages International Ltd.
Liability was initially denied by all defendants, and the case was hard fought from the outset.
Matthew Patterson, Litigation Executive at Veritas Solicitors LLP, said: “Peter’s case highlights the lasting impact that unsafe working environments can have on employees, particularly when basic protections like hearing equipment are ignored.
“His story should serve as a reminder to both employers and workers that health and safety must be prioritised.”
Peter added: “It was all about profit. The company wasn’t bothered about people.
“If you needed the toilet, you had to raise your hand so the line leaders could cover you, because for every minute that machine was down, the company was losing money.”
Peter now works for a different company that offers full PPE, including hearing protection. He is hopeful that his story will encourage others in similar situations to come forward with claims.
He continued: “A lot of the older generation will have been worse off than me, but they wouldn’t speak up, they just got on with it.
“If you’re working in a factory and you think something’s not right, you need to say something, and if they don’t do anything, you need to speak to a solicitor.”
Faraz Fazal, Managing Partner of Veritas Solicitors, added: “We’re proud to have supported Peter in securing justice after years of being exposed to harmful working conditions. This case highlights how large corporations too often overlook basic protections in pursuit of profit.
“Veritas Solicitors is committed to standing up for workers whose health has been compromised and ensuring they receive the redress they deserve.”
-ENDS-
About Veritas Solicitors LLP
• Established in 2007, Veritas Solicitors LLP is based in central Manchester.
• The firm deals with housing disrepair, personal injury, medical negligence, immigration, family and matrimonial, industrial disease, financial mis-selling and commercial.
• Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
• www.veritassolicitors.co.uk
Media contact: For press enquiries please email press@inkedpr.com
• Established in 2007, Veritas Solicitors LLP is based in central Manchester.
• The firm deals with housing disrepair, personal injury, medical negligence, immigration, family and matrimonial, industrial disease, financial mis-selling and commercial.
• Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
• www.veritassolicitors.co.uk
Media contact: For press enquiries please email press@inkedpr.com