YORK MP Hugh Bayley has voiced concerns in Parliament about job cuts at the city's Nestl Rowntree factory.

After bringing the issue to the attention of Ministers during trade and industry questions yesterday, Mr Bayley admitted the loss of 150 processing jobs on the back of the previous cutting of 220 technical posts was "worrying".

But Mr Bayley said factory bosses had assured him about future production in the city.

The MP told the Evening Press: "Every job cut is worrying, although Nestl have reassured me that they maintain their long-term commitment to production in York."

Mr Bayley added: "They have already invested £150m in the city, which they will not want to write off."

The MP said that because the pound was falling against the euro it was a good time for the company to invest further in the Wigginton Road plant.

Mr Bayley, when asked if he would be involved in urgent talks over the job losses, stressed he was in "close touch" with Nestl management and unions.

The Labour member made Trade and Industry minister Gerry Sutcliffe aware of York job cuts during a House of Commons discussion on European work legislation yesterday.

Mr Bayley said uniform working hours were essential across the continent to ensure a level playing field for York's confectionery trade.

Updated: 10:34 Friday, November 07, 2003