MP Charlotte Nichols fears the potential loss of jobs at a Unilever site in Trafford could make it harder for staff in Warrington to be redeployed.

The consumer goods giant has launched a review of its global tea business as it revealed a slump in annual profits.

The PG Tips and Lipton tea brands could be sold as the firm looks at ‘all options’ for the tea business.

It announced the strategic tea review as it reported a 33 per cent drop in pre-tax profits to almost £7 billion for 2019, having suffered a marked slowdown in its South Asian business and weaker trading in China.

It has been reported that 250 jobs are at risk at Unilever’s Trafford Park plant – located around 17 miles from its Warrington site next to Bank Quay railway station.

It has sparked concerns from Labour’s Warrington North MP Ms Nichols, who tweeted: “Awful news for those affected at Trafford Park, and an extra blow for Unilever staff in Warrington facing an uncertain future as this could limit opportunities for potential redeployment within the business.

“I will be raising this with Unilever.”

Alan Jope, chief executive of Unilever, pledged to ramp up turnaround efforts, including cost-saving plans, as well as the global tea review.

He said: “We are now stepping up execution against our fundamental drivers of growth.

“These are to: increase penetration by improving brand awareness and availability; implement a more impactful innovation programme; improve our performance in faster growing channels; drive purpose into all our brands; and fuel growth through cost savings.”

“We are continuing to evaluate our portfolio and have initiated a strategic review of our global tea business.”