WORKERS at Burton’s Foods biscuit factory in Wirral will find out today whether a union plan to save half the 342 jobs has been accepted by management.

Today’s decision about the future of the Moreton plant follows 12 weeks of consultation between management and unions.

Earlier this year plans for the complete closure of the factory, which makes Jammie Dodgers, Wagon Wheels and Maryland Cookies, were announced.

However, last month it emerged the company agreed to consider an alternative union plan that could result in the factory being kept open and some jobs being saved.

Burton’s will press ahead with part of its original plant closure proposal to switch biscuit production to its other factories in Edinburgh and Llantarnam.

However the union said that it welcomed Burton’s Foods management’s decision to agree to consider Unite’s proposals to retain the chocolate refinery and seasonal assortment packing operations and extend the consultation period until May 16. Unite’s campaign was supported by Wallasey MP Angela Eagle. Wirral council’s leadership have also held meetings with Burtons in a bid to save the factory.

At the time of the original closure announcement, Unite regional officer, Ritchie James, said: “The loss of any job at the plant is difficult to accept because these are our friends and neighbours but the lack of investment and the loss of volume has made any counter proposal to maintain all the jobs impossible.

“However, Unite’s counter proposal could provide a viable option and still sustain jobs for local people.”