Taskforce meets to discuss future of factory

The first meeting was held at the site recently and was chaired by Pam Smith, Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, with representatives from Nestlé and Newcastle City Council. 

Other participants included Catherine McKinnell MP, local councillors, local and regional representatives from GMB and UNITE Trade Unions, and regional representatives from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Work and Pensions. Representatives from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and the North of Tyne Combined Authority were also present.

The group agreed to move ahead with two workstreams: one to bring together and deliver a plan to support the workforce of Nestle Fawdon to find suitable alternative employment if necessary; and a second to explore options for the factory site for the benefit of the local community. The taskforce will also consider options for supporting local service suppliers and contractors to the site.

On behalf of the taskforce Newcastle City Council Chief Executive, Pam Smith, said: “Whilst we remain deeply disappointed by the decision to close the factory, we are working constructively with both Nestlé and local and regional representatives to ensure that all employees are supported to find alternative employment and the site is reused to maximise the benefit for the immediate area and the wider city.

“This meeting was an important step forward in meeting those aims.”

The group will continue to meet to report on progress.