Nestlé puts 158 Yorkshire jobs at risk after announcing move to Poland

Nestlé has put around 300 jobs at risk after announcing plans to move production of the Blue Riband chocolate bar from the UK to Poland.

These proposals are set to impact sites in York, Fawdon, Halifax and Girvan, through 2017 and 2018.

Unions GMB and Unite have slammed the announcement, which is estimated to result in 143 job losses in York and another 15 jobs in Halifax.

Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary, 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.”

Nestlé UK has said these proposals are to ensure the four sites “operate more efficiently and remain competitive in a rapidly changing external environment.”

The proposals will now be subject to a 45 day consultation with trade unions and employee representatives.

Lynn Brook, GMB Officer Yorkshire and North Derbyshire region, added: “Once again Yorkshire is bearing the brunt of the cuts in an area synonymous with confectionary production par excellence for decades.

“These jobs belong in York and Halifax. This Government needs to give confectionary workers in York - home of the Kit Kat - ‘a break’ and back them before it’s too late.

“GMB will fight these cuts all the way and has already joined forces with York Central MP Rachael Maskell.”

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