Switzerland-based confectionery major, Nestlé, has reportedly confirmed its proposals to shift production out of its Fawdon facility, near Newcastle in England, to different parts of eastern Europe.
Under its proposals, Jelly Tots and Fruit Pastilles will be manufactured in the Czech Republic, while Toffee Crisp bars would be made in Poland, and mini eggs variants of brands, like Milkybar and Kit Kat, would be produced in Bulgaria.
The GMB trade union has called the proposal unacceptable, stating that the Fawdon site was profitable and has been making chocolates since 1958 and that the shifting of production offshore will result in the loss of 474 jobs.
GMB National Officer, Ross Murdoch, stated that it will in turn have a devasting impact on the lives of workers, as well as their families.
Meanwhile, Murdoch also added that the transportation of finished products, from Europe to back to the UK where they will be consumed, will also result in a substantial increase in road and sea miles, which will cause more pollution and environmental damage.
Murdoch added that the two trade unions, GMB and Unite, will discuss with its members in Fawdon on their next move, and will provide them with support and resources to fight if needed.
GMB added that it had presented alternative plans, formulated by independent experts, to Nestlé but the firm had rejected them.
Last year, Boris Johnson was also urged for intervention in order to save the Fawdon factory.
Nestlé had previously claimed that brands made in Fawdon were small and low-growth, and that the company would instead invest in York and Halifax factories that make bigger brands.
A spokesperson from Nestlé stated that consultation regarding the changes in the proposal, which was introduced in April last year, is still ongoing, and that company wants to hold these discussions directly with its employees as well as the trade unions, instead of doing them publicly.
The spokesperson added that it is the company’s priority to provide support to its people and their families with this process and that it will provide an update when the consultation is completed.
Source credit: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/feb/02/nestle-confirms-fawdon-sweets-factory-closure-in-move-to-eu-production