The news comes amid plans unveiled in October 2025 that would see Nestlé reduce its worldwide workforce by around 16,000, with approximately 4,000 of these roles in manufacturing and supply chain. The vast majority, around 12,000, will be centred on so-called white-collar professionals.
Accordingly, GMB says that the majority of the projected 450 will concern staff and managers at the manufacturer’s York and Gatwick offices, but that factory workers across the UK could also be affected.
Nestlé maintains a significant presence in York, employing around 2,000 people as part of a large confectionery manufacturing site that replaced the erstwhile Rowntree factory.
The facility produces a selection of well-known Nestlé products including KitKat, Aero, Yorkie and Polo, as well as Felix cat food.
A further 1,000 people work out of the firm’s Gatwick office in Sussex, mainly corporate roles focused on food and drink and pet care.
Flagship Nestlé brands such as Nespresso and Purina use Gatwick as their UK headquarters, with the site also hosting a range of departments including Nestlé Professional, Nestlé Nutrition and Nestlé Waters.
Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB national secretary said: “GMB will work closely with members and the company to ease the pain of these cuts as much as possible.”
In a statement given to the press, Nestlé did not comment on the 450 figure, but reiterated its commitment to the global job cuts it announced in the autumn.
“We said in 2025 that we will reduce our global workforce by 16,000 roles and that process is ongoing. As always, we will manage any changes in the right way and in consultation with our people.
“Any proposed changes will always be shared with those affected first and we have no further update to give at this time.”
