UNIONS have accused Nestle on u-turning on what was said its own AGM.

Earlier this month at Nestle’s meeting, CEO Ulf Mark Schneider said many companies were “focusing on radical cost-cutting to deliver higher profits in the short-term”, but this approach was “not sustainable”.

However, Nestle announced shift changes at York earlier this month that will lead to a loss of 143 factory jobs, while more could go at the Fawdon factory in Nestle as Blue Riband production moves to Poland.

Eamon O’Hearn, GMB National Officer, said: “How can Mr Schneider say one thing at the AGM, then announce these shocking cuts just days later?

“Nestle claims these job cuts are not the result of Brexit and have been in the pipeline for a long time.

“If that’s the case, the company has shown utter disrespect to GMB and Unite, as our members – their staff – heard nothing until this week.”

More than 30 MPs have signed an Early Day Motion, tabled by York Central MP Rachael Maskell, calling on the Government to intervene and work with MPs, unions and the company to avert the job losses.