Rachael Maskell asks Government for special deal to save York Nestle jobs - Theresa May says ministers are already meeting company bosses

Rachael Maskell has pushed the Prime Minister for a special deal to save York jobs, telling her that companies are exporting "jobs not products" and skilled work in York is being replaced by low paid jobs.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons, Ms Maskell said the job losses at Nestle would be "devastating" for workers and their families.

She added: "In light of the special deal for Nissan in Sunderland, will the Prime Minister strike a special deal to save these jobs and avert losses now and in the future?"

Theresa May told her the Business Secretary would be meeting senior Nestle representatives later today.

The Government is already in contact with the company to understand their plans, she added.

The Prime Minister said DWP is also ready with its rapid response service to help any workers made redundant.

"It is important to ensure the support is there," she said.

However, Theresa May added: "Nestle have themselves been clear this is not affected by Britain leaving the EU.

"Of course it's worrying for workers and their families."

That response has been slammed by the York MP, who has accused Mrs May of "shrugging her shoulders" and telling workers to go the the Jobcentre.

Ms Maskell said: “I am bitterly disappointed by the lack of compassion and fairness shown by the Prime Minister. 

“She’s been in contact with the company to ‘understand their plans and next steps’ but not to negotiate or offer any assistance. So that’s no help at all for the workers and their families who are devastated at the prospect of losing their jobs and are now worrying about their futures. 

"Last year Nissan said it had been possible to safeguard jobs because of government ‘assurances and support’ that it would be protected from the impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Nestle has now announced actual job losses and the Government is not willing to help."