JOBS are under threat at a historic city factory after the owners of Worcestershire Sauce announced plans to axe almost 250 positions across the business.

Food giant Heinz, which makes the condiment at its plant in Midland Road, off Wyld’s Lane - where 40 staff are based - plans to make the cuts in the UK and Ireland under “organisational changes”.

The firm said it had developed a new "streamlined structure", which could include the loss of 248 office jobs - about 10 per cent of its British workforce - adding that it regretted the impact it would have on its employees.

A statement from the company said: “As part of our transition to a private company, the senior leadership team has examined every part of our global business to better position Heinz for accelerated growth in a very competitive global market.

“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.

“Our new organisational structure will simplify, strengthen and leverage the company's global scale, while enabling faster decision-making, increased accountability, and accelerated growth."

Heinz acquired Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce when it took over HP in 2005.

Earlier this year, the brand was snapped up by billionaire American businessman, Warren Buffet.

The firm, famous for its sauces and beans, has 2,600 employees across the UK and Ireland, with main sites in Worcester, Wigan, Kendal, Telford, Westwick in Norfolk, Dundalk in Ireland, and Hayes, near Uxbridge.