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Theresa May’s plan to scrap free school lunches will lead to more than 16,800 catering job losses, it has been forecast.

Industry experts warned that 21% of the 80,000 school food workforce could lose their jobs if the Tories scrap free meals for children aged five to seven.

Conservative ministers want to replace the free lunches with breakfasts instead.

The policy would be devastating for local authority meal providers and contract caterers – and there would be further job losses and cuts to working hours for cooks and assistants in school kitchens.

Theresa May was dubbed a 'lunch snatcher' after the controversial move was announced in the Conservative manifesto .

(Image: Dan Kitwood)

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver was among those who joined a chorus of criticism .

The ill-thought out Tory policy will also raise further questions on why the Government spent £150 million of taxpayers money just three years ago on improving school kitchen facilities.

The Lead Association For Catering (LACA) said removing universal free meals is a pledge that will hit children, families, schools and jobs.

LACA chair Sally Shadrack said it would have “an immensely damaging impact on the industry and thousands of families”.

(Image: Getty)

Tim Roache of the GMB union, below, said: “It’s a scandal any government would even consider, quite literally, taking food from kids’ mouths – now jobs are at risk as well.”

Angela Rayner, Shadow Education Secretary, said: “Only Labour will give children and schools the support they need.”

The Tory manifesto defends the move, saying: "We do not believe that giving school lunches to all children free of charge for the first three years of primary school - regardless of the income of their parents – is a sensible use of public money.

"There is now good evidence that school breakfasts are at least as effective in helping children to make progress in school.

"The savings made from this change will be added to the core schools budget, meaning that every penny saved will go towards children’s education."