Nestl\u00e9 is set to cut more than 450 jobs across its network, with union bosses fearing its site in York will be hit hard under the plans.<\/p>\n
The majority of jobs, among staff and managers, will go in York and Gatwick but factories across the UK could be affected, according to the GMB Union.<\/p>\n
Nestl\u00e9 announced in 2025 that it would be cutting 16,000 roles globally and said it will \u201cmanage any changes in the right way and in consultation with our people\u201d.<\/p>\n
KitKat biscuits which are made by Nestle (Image: Dominic Lipinski\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n
The food manufacturing giant, which has its York site in Haxby Road, announced to staff on Thursday afternoon (April 23) that it planned to cut more than 450 jobs across the UK.<\/p>\n
A Nestl\u00e9 spokesperson could not say how many jobs will be cut in York as they said the plans are subject to consultation.<\/p>\n
Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, the GMB union\u2019s national secretary, said the cuts will \u201crip the heart out of communities\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cNestl\u00e9 workers \u2013 who make some of the UK\u2019s best loved treats \u2013 have already put up with years of uncertainty and job losses,” she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGMB will be working closely with members and the company to ease the pain of these cuts as much as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
‘Jobs need protecting,’ says MP<\/p>\n
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, said it was a “very worrying time for staff”, and she would contact Nestl\u00e9 to “understand the full impact in York”.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have corresponded with Nestl\u00e9 today to make it clear that after their investment in the York site, we need to protect jobs in the city,” the MP said.<\/p>\n
“I have also liaised with the Nestl\u00e9 unions, as I know that this is a very worrying time for staff.<\/p>\n
“Jobs need protecting and as Nestl\u00e9 made 9bn (Swiss francs) profit in 2025, it is clear that it should be investing in the company\u2019s future, not stripping it back further.<\/p>\n
Rachael Maskell, York Central MP (Image: UK Parliament\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n
“I will further speak to the company as I want to understand the full proposed impact in York.<\/p>\n
“York is the leading site for Nestl\u00e9’s confectionary operation in the UK, and has a responsibility in the city to protect jobs, having taken over Rowntree\u2019s factory.<\/p>\n
“Following further discussions with the company and unions, I will determine what action I can best take to protect jobs and secure the future of manufacturing in York.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Nestl\u00e9 spokesperson said: \u201cWe said in 2025 that we will reduce our global workforce by 16,000 roles and that process is ongoing.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs always, we will manage any changes in the right way and in consultation with our people. Any proposed changes will always be shared with those affected first and we have no further update to give at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n