Chocolate maker Nestle to cut 298 jobs in UK shake-up

Confectionery giant Nestle (Swiss: NESN.VX - news) is planning to cut 298 jobs in a shake-up of UK sites as it moves some production to Poland.

The Swiss firm said the roles affected were mainly at plants in York and Fawdon, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with sites at Halifax and Girvan in Ayrshire also involved.

Under the plans, production of its Blue Riband chocolate bar will be shifted from Fawdon to Poland.

The changes also mean revised shift patterns at all four sites.

"These proposals are being made by Nestle UK to ensure that these sites operate more efficiently and remain competitive in a rapidly changing external environment," the company said in a statement.

It said it was launching a 45-day consultation period with trade unions and worker representatives.

The move immediately drew criticism from unions.

Unite national officer Julia Long said it would be pressing the company to think again.

"Rather than turning its back on its UK workforce, Nestle should be investing in its UK operations and keeping production here at plants in the UK," she said.

GMB general secretary Tim Roache said: "To shift the production of an iconic British brand like Blue Riband to Poland is completely unacceptable.

"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."

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