Consultations over the future of a confectionery factory in north-east England have been dismissed as “a farce” by general union GMB.

The KP factory in the former steel town of Consett in County Durham employs 186 workers.

The factory was originally established as Phileas Fogg, producing snacks such as Hula Hoops.

KP wants to close the factory and has started consultations with GMB.

But the union believes the company has already made the closure decision.

GMB organiser Suzanne Reid said: “GMB members are deeply concerned about their future employment, they are very angry that the decision to close the factory seems to have been made some time ago with the consultation being nothing more than a farce. KP Consett, still known locally as Phileas Fogg, has a dedicated, loyal, hard-working workforce with a wide skill set. It will be a disgrace and a huge loss to the area if it closes.”