A boss who advises the Tories on bringing business to the UK is moving jobs abroad.
Nestle’s UK CEO Stefano Agostini, a member of the UK Investment Council who also advises on levelling up, is overseeing the closure of its northern confectionery factory in Newcastle. The move will cost the UK 475 jobs.
Production of treats such as Fruit Pastilles and Toffee Crisps will shift to the Czech Republic, Poland and Bulgaria, where labour is cheaper. A further 98 staff will go at Nestle’s KitKat plant in York.
The GMB union’s northern senior organiser Chris Jukes said: “It’s staggering hypocrisy from the Government.
“Levelling up is not what Agostini is doing in Newcastle.
“Yes, they’re putting some investment in places like Halifax.
“But in terms of Newcastle, you couldn’t pick a worse example of levelling up. They’re off-shoring jobs and profit. If the Investment Council is about bringing jobs, he’s getting rid of jobs.
“For the Government to put this guy from Nestle on the Council when they’re a perfect example of achieving the opposite, beggars belief.”
Last month the North East was named Britain’s jobs blackspot as unemployment hit 5.7%.
Nestle said: “Investments made by Nestle in the UK significantly outweigh changes in production.”
Its investments include a £55million distribution centre, a £31m upgrade to its Buxton Water factory in Derbyshire and a £9m facelift of its York office plus recycling and green projects.
