THE closure of a Nestle factory in the North East has been branded “unacceptable” and “devastating” by trade union bosses after it was announced that almost 500 staff members would lose their jobs over the next 12 months.

It was confirmed by the GMB and Unite earlier this evening (February 2) that the confectionary company had revealed plans to shut its site in Fawdon, near Newcastle, by the end of 2023, with the loss of more than 470 jobs, with some production moved overseas.

According to Nestle, Fruit Pastilles, Randoms and Jelly Tots will be made in the Czech Republic, Toffee Crips will be made in Poland, while Mini Eggs and Smarties will be made in Bulgaria.

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In the aftermath of the decision to close the factory, GMB national officer, Ross Murdoch, has called on Nestle to rethink their decision, and has committed to speaking with its members in Fawdon to discuss the next steps.

He said: “Closing this profit-making site and shifting production to Europe is completely unacceptable.

“This will have a devastating impact on workers and their families.

The Northern Echo: Trade union bosses have called the move "devastating" for workers at the site - and will now work with the staff on their next moves.Trade union bosses have called the move "devastating" for workers at the site - and will now work with the staff on their next moves.

“Meanwhile transporting finished products from sites in Europe back to the UK – where they are consumed – will result in significant additional road and sea miles, increasing pollution and environmental damage.

“GMB and Unite will now speak to members in Fawdon and find out what they want to do next. We will give them whatever support and resources they need to fight this.”

Meanwhile, Joe Clarke, national officer of Unite, added: “Unite and its membership are bitterly disappointed that alternative proposals to keep the site within Nestle Fawdon open have been rejected.

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“We are currently seeking further information in relation to the proposal, and we will enter into dialogue on next steps imminently.”

Nestle said the largest slice of production will stay in the UK and move to Halifax, West Yorkshire.

A spokesman for the company said: “The consultation around the changes we proposed in April 2021 is still ongoing.

“We said from the outset that we wanted to provide adequate time and space for these discussions and it is only right that they are held directly with our employees and trade unions and not in public.

“It remains a priority to support our people and their families through this process and we thank everybody for their patience. We will provide an update once the consultation is complete.”

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