Almost 160 jobs have been put at risk at the McVities site in Manchester by owner Pladis, the global confectionary and snack company
A total of 159 roles are now "subject to a full and meaningful consultation with employee representatives", out of a total 470 jobs at the time.
The company said its proposals "seeks to address growing external headwinds such as rising inflation, increasing energy costs and supply chain disruption pushing up production costs, at a time when the business faces a change in consumer demand".
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It added that Manchester remains a "critical part" of its operations in the UK but that the factory’s operating model is "no longer sustainable and must be addressed as part of the proposed changes".
Nina Sparks, vice president of supply chain Pladis UK & Ireland, said: "We understand this news will be very difficult for those in Manchester. Our Manchester factory remains an important part of our UK business and our priority now is to provide our colleagues with clear guidance and the right support as we start the proposed consultation process.
"Pladis is the proud custodian of some of the world’s best-loved snacking brands and we believe strongly in their enduring consumer appeal.
"But, like many other businesses, we are grappling with new and growing external pressures. We must, therefore, review and consider appropriate steps to safeguard the future of our whole business."
Dave Gill, Usdaw national officer, added: "This is devastating news for our members, many of whom have given long service to the company and all worked throughout the pandemic when food manufacturing was identified as an essential service.
"We will now enter into meaningful consultation talks with the company, where we will interrogate their business case for these proposed job losses.
"Our priorities are to keep as many staff employed within the business as possible and avoid compulsory redundancies.
"In the meantime we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this difficult time."
