Employees at a famous tea firm in Britain are in a shock after they came to know that they would have to train foreign workers who will replace them.

Twinings, founded in 1706, announced last year it would be closing its factory in North Shields town with the loss of 263 jobs, the Daily Express reported Monday. Now the staff have been told that Polish workers will travel to Tyneside region to be trained by them.

One British worker said it was 'rubbing salt in the wound'. Twenty-two MPs signed a Commons motion, condemning the closure.

'While we appreciate that some people would prefer not to participate, many employees are willing to help carry out this training,' a Twinings spokeswoman said.