A United Biscuits spokeswoman said: "The company constantly reviews its operations to ensure they support the business in delivering sustainable growth and consumer value. No decisions have been made about a restructuring prog– ramme."

William Beale Jacob started his famous biscuit company in 1881 in Waterford, Ireland, but moved to Liverpool in 1885 for the launch of Jacob’s Cream Crackers.

The company opened its Long Lane, Aintree, plant in 1910. In 1960, when around 3,000 staff were employed, the company merged with Associated Biscuits and became part of Nabisco.

United Biscuits bought Jacob’s in 2004. In 2006 the group was bought out by two private equity firms, European firm PAI and United States-based Blackstone Group.

The Long Lane site today employs around 750 people making products including cream crackers.

In 2007, United Biscuits’ turnover reached £1bn.. In its most recent results statement, for the first half of 2008, It said it had seen small revenues and profits rises last year and said it aimed to cope with turbulent market conditions "through accelerated cost savings programmes and improved consumer value driven by increased innovation and promotional investments."