WHAT a tragedy that former Rowntree factory buildings are up for sale. Whatever is Nestlé thinking of?

Still, regularly, I hear people speaking of the care that they received as Rowntree employees and, while I’m glad that jobs are being provided for people overseas, I’m heartily disappointed that we have so few jobs, of any substance, available for young and older people in York.

The health service will always be a big employer but our reliance upon that most variable of all industries, tourism, worries me greatly.

Could it be that, when businesses become too large, the owners lose sight of the needs of their employees and end up playing with people’s livelihoods as if people were mere pawns.

Even in the 21st century, it should not be beyond the wit of employers to put human welfare first.

Therefore, Rowntree being such a good brand to acquire, jobs for people in York, its original home, should have been considerably more highly safeguarded.

Janet Rowntree, The Dower House, Escrick, York.