Scores of jobs are set to go at Fox’s Biscuits in Batley.

The company is seeking up to 80 redundancies from its 910-strong workforce and a 45-day consultation is now underway between managers, employees and representatives of the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union.

A spokesman for Fox’s parent company 2 Sisters Food group, said: “We can confirm we have entered into a period of consultation with some of our colleagues at our site in Batley.

“It is far too early to say what impact this will have, but some roles will regrettably be at risk of redundancy.

“However, we will be working hard with colleagues to minimise the impact of our proposals and look at all alternative options, including voluntary redundancy, redeployments and the creation of some new roles.”

The statement gave no reason for the decision to seek redundancies at the firm, which draws its workforce from across Kirklees and sponsors Batley Bulldogs Rugby League Club.

Clr Amanda Stubley, Kirklees councillor for Batley East, whose ward includes the Fox’s Biscuits site, was told about the job cuts by the Examiner. She said: “I’m very concerned, particularly in the current climate we are in with all the cuts.”

The proposed job cuts come five years after then owner Northern Foods embarked on an 18-month redundancy programme which saw 200 jobs go at Fox’s Wellington Street site as a result of increased automation. Northern Foods had previously planned to close the Batley premises, but put the plans on hold in light of the uncertain economic climate before selling the business.

Current owner 2 Sisters also has divisions making ready meals and meat products and includes Goodfella’s pizzas and Holland’s pies among its other brands.

Boparan Holdings, which owns 2 Sisters Food Group, posted total sales of £806.7m for the first quarter of its 2014-2015 financial year – down by 8.9% on the same period last time. Operating profits were 17% down at £22m with earnings.

Announcing the results last December, the group said it was working hard to mitigate “extremely tough” trading conditions.

It added: “Despite the prevailing conditions, we are seeing areas of improved performance across the group and we will continue to address our challenges to improve margin by addressing our cost base and improving the operational effectiveness of our manufacturing sites.”