220 redundancies were announced in August

The fresh cuts are in addition to the 220 redundancies announced at the Wigginton Road factory in August.

A company spokesman said the job losses were the result of new automated systems which had reduced the need to maintain the current level of 1,200 shop floor workers.

The workforce cuts are due to take place by the spring of next year.

As a result of these new automated technologies, it is estimated that the factory will require fewer shop floor workers from spring 2004 Nestle spokesman

A statement from the company said: "The industry is changing rapidly and the factory has developed over the last 10 years to reflect these changes.

"More than �150m has been invested to introduce new equipment, production lines and product technology to the site.

"As a result of these new automated technologies, it is estimated that the factory will require fewer shop floor workers from spring 2004.

"We will now be entering into consultation with our employees to discuss these changes and to offer our support to those affected."

'Huge blow'

Compulsory redundancies have not been ruled out by the company.

John Kirk, of the GMB union, said: "The company's announcement comes at a time when we are in the consultation process over 220 redundancies, so it's a huge blow to the GMB membership on the York site.

"The GMB will attempt to ensure there are no job reductions.

"We believe there are a number of avenues which can be examined."