Boss of KitKat in UK flit spat
Level-up guru to move sweets production abroad
A BOSS set to move hundreds of jobs abroad is advising the Government on bringing business to the UK.
Nestle’s UK CEO Stefano Agostini is on the UK Investment Council, which says it “aims to enhance UK inward investment”.
But Mr Agostini, who also advises on levelling up, is overseeing the closure of Nestle’s Newcastle confectionery factory.
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 as work shifts to its Halifax base.
Chris Jukes of union the GMB 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.”
Nestle said: “Investments made by Nestle in the UK significantly outweigh changes in production in our confectionery business.”
Its investments include a £55million distribution centre, a £31m upgrade to its Buxton Water factory in Derbyshire and a £9m facelift at its York office plus recycling and green projects.