660 jobs may go at biscuit factory

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Burton's Foods said the proposed move at its site in Moreton, Wirral, followed an "extensive" business review.

The plant, which makes Cadbury's chocolate biscuits, will continue to produce other products.

Chief executive Paul Kitchener said: "We sincerely regret the loss of jobs that may occur as a result of our review."

Mr Kitchener went on: "While Burton's Foods is a successful business, we operate in a highly competitive environment against a backdrop of overcapacity in the UK biscuit market.

"A streamlined and more flexible manufacturing capability is essential to allow the business to capitalise on growth opportunities. This proposal in no way reflects the commitment of our employees at Moreton."

Mr Kitchener said the move was aimed at securing the long-term success of the company and its remaining 2,400 workers in Moreton, Blackpool, Edinburgh and Llantarnam, South Wales. It is proposed that around 300 jobs will remain at Moreton.

The firm makes Wagon Wheels, Jammie Dodgers and Maryland Cookies as well as a range of Cadbury's chocolate biscuits under licence. It was bought by private equity firm Duke Street Capital earlier this year.

It was originally founded in the 1930s under the name Burton's Gold Medal Biscuits before being bought by Associated British Foods in 1949 and then by Hicks, Muse, Tate and Furst in 2000. It serves all the major grocers in the UK with branded and own label products and exports to France, Scandinavia and the US.