CONFECTIONERY manufacturer Nestle Rowntree is to axe 270 jobs in West Yorkshire.

The jobs are to go over 18 months at the Halifax site, which employs 695 people making millions of Easter eggs as well as Walnut Whips and Quality Street.

The announcement follows the loss of 400 jobs at Nestle Rowntree's York factory last year.

However, the company said it would be creating 200 seasonal posts on nine-month contracts at Halifax.

Those losing their full-time jobs would be given the first chance to take up the nine-month contracts.

Nestle Rowntree said the move would make the factory more efficient by gearing production to peak times, such as Easter and Christmas.

The job cuts were condemned by officials of the transport and general workers' union the T&G.

National organiser Brian Revell said the redundancies raised "critical concerns" over the company's future intentions.

He said: "It seems clear that Nestle are working to a clear strategy of cutbacks and job losses in the UK."

Mr Revell said union officials would be meeting management this week to discuss the job cuts.