Unions have hit out after the closure of the Nestle confectionary factory in Newcastle was confirmed and some production switched to eastern Europe.
Plans to close the long-established former Rowntree factory in Fawdon were first outlined last year, with the loss of around 475 jobs.
The closure was sceduled set to happen in 2023 and consultations with staff have now moved onto closure plans after Nestle rejected pleas from unions to reconsider.