A free meal given to workers struggling amid the cost of living crisis turned out to be a Pot Noodle or a porridge pot.
Factory workers at Faltec Europe Ltd were left furious and branded the gesture an "insult" to hard-working families ahead of Christmas.
Bosses had previously said a "free hot meal" would be offered to staff to help those struggling with the rising cost of food, rent and bills.
The leaflet detailed how a selection of potted snacks would be on offer in the canteen for workers to choose from.
However, the well-meaning gesture did not go down well with employees at the Sunderland car parts plant who were outraged at the pots of breakfast porridge, Pot Noodles and Mug Shot packets available.
On average the items cost around £1 each - sometimes cheaper - when bought in the supermarket.
The leaflet offering the "meal" read: “This winter, while we are going through the cost-of- living crisis, the Employee Forum has agreed with the management team that Faltec will offer a free hot meal for those that require it.
"This will be one of the following: Pot Noodle Pots, Porridge Pots, Pasta Pots.’’
A worker sarcastically said: “"his will go a long way to help feed their family and heat their home at Christmas.", reports The Sun.
Faltec boasts online it has a HQ in Japan a global workforce of 3,000.
But while many voiced their upset at the free meal, General Affairs Manager Bruce Mair said: “We’ve had nothing but positive feedback."
Faltec Europe has been approached by the Mirror for a comment.
