KETCHUP makers Heinz have announced plans to cut staff, with jobs at the company's head office in Hayes under threat.

Heinz UK & Ireland are proposing a new "streamlined structure" which would lead to the loss of 248 office positions - nearly ten per cent of the firm's workforce.

Some of these jobs could be shed at the company's headquarters at Hayes Park, off Park Lane, Hayes. The firm's other sites - in Wigan, Kendal, Telford, Westwick, Worcester, and Dundalk in Ireland - are factories.

The company employs 2,600 people in the UK and Ireland. It is not known how many people work at the Hayes offices.

A Heinz spokesman said there was 'regret' of the impact the move might have on employees and their families, and added: "The proposal is subject to a consultation process with employees and their representatives, and Heinz is committed to ensuring all employees are treated with the utmost respect and compassion.

"In the event that after consultation a decision is made to proceed with the proposals, the company would offer enhanced severance benefits plus outplacement services to help make the transition as smooth as possible, and to help affected employees pursue new career opportunities."

"The difficult actions we are proposing to take will, if implemented, better position the Company to support and fund our next chapter of growth while further strengthening our world-leading brands."

Heinz, who produce the iconic Ketchup and Beanz products, were taken over by American conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, and investors 3G Capital in February in a 23 billion-dollar deal (18 billion pounds).

Do you work at Heinz in Hayes? Get in touch. Email jack.griffith@trinitymirror.com, or call 07795 645 696