Threat to 300 Nestle jobs, mainly in York and Newcastle, as some production moves to Poland

GMB and Unite have slammed the company for proposing the loss of 300 jobs as it moves production of the biscuit from its factory in Fawdon, Newcastle to Eastern Europe.

There are 143 jobs at risk at Nestle’s York factory - which the company says is due to alterations to shift patterns - and 110 jobs from Fawdon, in Tyne and Wear.

Other jobs will be going from Halifax and Girvan in Scotland.

Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell has demanded action from the Business Secretary following the announcement.

She says the factory is the single largest employer in her constituency.

“This is absolutely devastating news for Fawdon, and I am urgently writing to the Business Secretary asking him to work with me, Nestle and the GMB union to try and find a way of retaining these good jobs here in Newcastle where they belong,” she said.

“The Government cannot allow its single-minded focus on Brexit to distract from the need to protect British jobs now, and I will be doing all I can to support all the families affected by this extremely disappointing decision.”

Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary, said the Government needed to reassure people this was not the beginning of Brexit job losses.

“To shift the production of an iconic British brand like Blue Riband to Poland is completely unacceptable," he said.

"Nestle are throwing people’s lives, and those of their families, into turmoil for the sake of increasing profit margins.

"These factories should be exporting chocolate – not people’s jobs.

"The Government needs to step in before it’s too late – and reassure millions of workers across the country this is not just the tip of the Brexit iceberg.”

Eamon O'Hearn, GMB National Officer, said: "This announcement is exceptionally disappointing, and our reps will expect a full and thorough briefing at the National Forum meeting scheduled for Thursday.

"It is deeply ironic that this announcement is coming from a company that co-authored the Government's Export Plan for the Food and Drink Industry [4], which called for greater investment in the UK industry and support for quality UK jobs.

"GMB stands ready to campaign with our members and their communities to protect their jobs and conditions."

A spokesman for Nestle said at a 45 day consultation was currently taking place involving the proposed reduction of 298 roles throughout this year and next at York, Fawdon, Halifax and Girvan in Scotland.

He said the move was not linked to Brexit “The proposed changes include amended and standardised shift patterns at each factory and, at Fawdon, the most complex of Nestlé’s UK confectionery sites, the transfer of Blue Riband production to a Nestlé factory in Poland," he said.

"This would mean being able to simplify and focus Fawdon’s operation.

"These proposals are being made by Nestlé UK to ensure that these sites operate more efficiently and remain competitive in a rapidly changing external environment.

"A 45 day consultation on these proposals will commence as soon as possible with trade unions and employee representatives.

"Nestlé UK appreciates that this is an uncertain time for employees and will work hard to ensure all are supported through this difficult period.”