More than 1,400 back petition as union chiefs prepare to meet Walkers over factory closure plan

Meetings will begin today between bosses at Walkers and union representatives over the firm's proposal to close its Peterlee factory.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Mar 2017, 08:51 BST

Updated 24th Mar 2017, 09:45 BST

The Walkers factory in Stephenson Road, Peterlee.

The GMB union said it was seeking discussions with the management of the North East Industrial Estate factory as it seeks to support the 355 production staff and 25 HGV drivers who have been told their jobs at at risk.

The firm has said it is proposing to close the East Durham site because its production levels are the lowest out of four of its factories, with the move planned to make savings as it looks to grow its business in the UK.