Tea, but no biscuits

Staff who were heading in for the afternoon shift and faced the official announcement from the company had already been told by colleagues what was in store.

Production was stopped for the day and everyone was being sent home after the announcements, but staff were upset and angry, with some in tears.

Before security guards curtailed interviews, they managed to say they believed the Moreton site was profitable, and one said: "We support the other factories, in Blackpool and Llantarnam. It's a big site but it makes money."

Another said: "We can't understand whey they are shutting this, it's a good factory."

Ms Eagle said the company, which has been through several changes of ownership had missed a golden opportunity to cut its cost base for the large site back in 2001 when there were options to reduce the scale of the Moreton factory and make it more competitive.

She said the then owners had "failed to engage" and said people were now faced with the prospect of losing their livelihoods as a result.

Burton's now plans to develop its sites in Wales and Scotland - where she said they were in talks with the Scottish government over grants for the Edinburgh factory.

She said: "They have decided to go to Scotland. They seem very determined to press ahead with this.

"We want to see the figures and will angage with them, but you get the sense they are pretty determined to do this. They are in discussions to have Government grants in Scotland, and I said maybe there is something we can do down here, but they effectively said no chance.

"It's devastating for the people who work there. Generations of people have worked at that site. It's the largest private sector employer in my constituency, and this comes at a time when the council is competing to see how many jobs they can get rid of.

"We have got very tough times ahead now, but I will do everything in my power to help."

Neil Grocock, chief supply chain officer at Burton's Foods said it was a "regrettable" decision at a time when although the company is growing in sales it faces "significant cost pressures" such as a doubling in the price of cocoa, 60% increase in flour and other cost increases.

He said the Moreton factory lost £5million last year and was predicted to lose £7million this year and said: "The cost of business here is higher than other sites, about four times. And productions cost is about two times higher."

He said: "These are a set of proposals and now we want to enter into consultation with our employees and other stake holders." He said this was now an opportunity for the company "to be challenged". He said: "Other people may have other ideas."

However, he said the company had looked at other options, including shutting other sites.

Wirral Council Leader, Cllr Jeff Green said after the annoucement: "I am incredibly disappointed by this proposal and will be seeking an urgent meeting with Burton's to examine and discuss the reason behind their decision.

"I also wish to investigate whatever opportunities there are to continue to work with the company to secure jobs in Wirral and the future of the site.

"The Council has invested large amounts of time and money over recent years to support and modernise this factory and we stand ready to do so again.

"I do not believe that Burton's will find a more committed, skilled and flexible workforce than has been demonstrated here at Moreton. My personal priority is the men and women who will be affected by this decision and we will do everything possible to help them to secure their future."