Nestlé UK has announced plans to make operational changes across its four confectionery factories, which will result in the loss of 298 jobs.

The plants are located in York, Fawdon, Halifax and Girvan.

The jobs losses will be predominantly done in York and Fawdon through to next year.

The proposed changes will see amendment and standardisation of shift patterns at each factory, as well as Fawdon.

“To shift the production of an iconic British brand like Blue Riband to Poland is completely unacceptable."

Nestlé UK will transfer its Blue Riband production to a factory in Poland in order to simplify and focus on Fawdon’s operations.

The company said that the latest proposals aims to make the sites operate more efficiently.

A consultation process will be carried out with the trade unios, as well as with the employee representatives for 45 days prior to implementation of the changes.

Responding to Nestlé’s decision, trade unio GMB general secretary Tim Roache said: “To shift the production of an iconic British brand like Blue Riband to Poland is completely unacceptable.

“The government needs to step in before it’s too late, and reassure millions of workers across the country this is not just the tip of the Brexit iceberg.”