YORK confectionery giant Nestlé is planning to close its Castleford factory with the loss of 210 jobs - although the company plans to offer staff alternative work elsewhere.

A spokesman said seasonal manufacturing currently takes place at Halifax and Castleford but the firm wants to switch it all to Halifax, as the business could operate more efficiently from a single site. The manufacturing of Toffee Crisp would switch from Castleford to Fawdon, in Newcastle.

The proposed move will create 120 jobs between Halifax and Fawdon.

But Nestlé Confectionery UK said it would also be creating more than 100 jobs at its confectionery factories over the next two years. It is understood some of these jobs are likely to be at the York factory.

Managing director David Rennie said the company was performing well in a very tough market, but it had to continue operating as efficiently as possible to remain competitive.

“Our aim is to offer our people alternative jobs with Nestlé and we hope that as many of them as possible will stay with the company,” he said.