More than 100 workers at risk of redundancy at Cantley sugar factory have been offered support by Norfolk County Council.
British Sugar has announced plans to cease beet processing at the site from the end of February next year, putting 104 jobs at risk.
The council said it will help those affected through its redundancy support service.
The Cantley site is the UK’s oldest sugar factory and one of only four left in the country.
British Sugar said operations will be consolidated at its three remaining factories in Bury St Edmunds, Newark and Wissington.
Built on the banks of the River Yare in 1912, the factory produces an average of 130,000 tonnes of sugar every year, from around one million tonnes of beet grown by farmers in East Anglia.
British Sugar has said all Cantley growers will be invited to continue growing beet for the 2027/28 campaign and beyond.
Launched last year, the council’s redundancy support service helps people affected by redundancy to access the jobs market and self-employment options, benefits advice, wellbeing services and training and upskilling.
They can also receive assistance with writing applications and CVs, interview techniques and mentoring. It also supports businesses facing challenges and the possibility of making redundancies.
Kabeer Kher, cabinet member for business, skills and agriculture at County Hall, said: “The news about the closure of the Cantley production plant will be a terrible blow to the workforce and we will do everything we can as a council to support those affected and ensure they are aware of the services that are available.”
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Sugar, which represents sugar beet growers in the UK, said it was “extremely disappointed” by British Sugar’s proposal.
British Sugar said it will now begin discussions with Unite, its recognised union, and other employee representatives.
The Cantley factory will continue to operate as normal throughout the upcoming sugar beet campaign.
For more information about the council’s redundancy support service, visit https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/74490/Redundancy-Support-Service
