A senior councillor who worked at Nestlé when he first moved to York has said the local authority will do everything it can to support staff who face redundancy at the company.
Nestlé announced that 98 jobs at its factory in Haxby Road are set to be cut – with another 470 jobs at risk at its base in Fawdon, Newcastle.
Cllr Andrew Waller said he has spoken with bosses at Nestlé about their long-term plans and investment of £20.2 million to modernise the York site.
He said: “I first came to York 30 years ago to work at the site, and so I appreciate the historic link between the city and the factory.
“This announcement will have a significant impact on the employees affected and their families. We will continue to support those impacted and would encourage anyone affected to get in touch with our teams who can direct them to career support and training opportunities.
“Our teams will do everything they can to help those affected to find alternative employment.
“York is a city that has a lot to offer our diverse business community.
“Whilst the roles being lost is disappointing news, the confirmation that Nestlé plan to continue their investment in their York facilities is something that we want to work with in the future to retain good jobs in the city.”
After meeting with Nestle bosses, Cllr Waller told David Dunning on YorkMix Radio “they’re conscious of the impact that this will have”.
Previous factory reorganisations have seen more production come to York.
He said: “It’s important that as part of retaining the facilities in York that investment continues, and I’ll be working with Nestle to ensure that they get the best opportunity to present York as a location to do business.”
The site currently employs 665 people.