McCain Foods is looking to make changes to its manufacturing in the UK that could lead to job losses.

The frozen-food group is weighing up changes at its sites in Scarborough, Whittlesey and Wombourne.

A local media report has suggested jobs are at risk at McCain’s factory in Whittlesey. Peterborough Today said staff had been informed of plans to restructure the company’s operations.

Approached by Just Food for more details on the changes, as well as why McCain was looking at reorganising its production network in the country, the privately owned food group provided a statement.

In the statement, the Canada-based business said the company was “taking steps to ensure its GB [Great Britain] manufacturing network remains competitive, efficient and well positioned for long-term growth”.

The potato-products supplier added: “As part of this, we are proposing changes to how our manufacturing operations are organised and structured, with a focus on creating a simpler, more sustainable operating model for the future. These proposals are intended to support the long-term success of our business and our manufacturing operations.”

McCain refused to be drawn on the number of jobs that could be cut.

“We recognise that change can create uncertainty for colleagues and remain committed to managing the process responsibly, fairly and with care,” the statement read.

“As we are currently consulting with colleagues, it would be inappropriate to speculate on numbers or the potential outcome of that process. However, not all of the proposed changes will lead to job losses and we will continue to engage openly and explore all reasonable options to reduce the number of those affected wherever possible.”

According to a report on staff pay for this year, McCain employs more than 1,300 staff in the UK. The company has four production sites in the country, with the other facility in Hull in eastern England.

The spokesperson added: "The proposals relate to our Whittlesey, Scarborough and Wombourne sites. The proposed changes vary by site and, as consultation is ongoing, we cannot speculate on potential outcomes."

Two years ago, McCain closed a factory in Grantham, also in eastern England.

Last month, the group abandoned a plan to set up its first manufacturing plant in Germany, citing challenging market conditions, including inflationary pressures, as the reasons behind its decision.

Earlier this month, McCain announced a deal to acquire the frozen potato-processing business of India-based Falcon Agrifriz Foods.