Jobs concern as days cut at town abattoir

Major Angus job fears have emerged over a decision to bring a three-day week into place at a Brechin abattoir.

It follows the continuing suspension of a Chinese export licence after a Covid-19 outbreak shut the Quality Pork Limited (QPL) plant earlier this year.

The move has been described as a “pivotal moment” for the future of Scotland’s pig farming industry.

Plant bosses say the step is being taken in an attempt to stave off redundancies among the workforce.

Community leaders are concerned uncertainty over the long-term future of the slaughterhouse will dent the town’s pandemic recovery.

From Monday, the Montrose Road operation will run three days a week, with workers placed on furlough the remaining two. The £10 million plant opened in 2018 with a workforce of around 60.

A QPL spokesperson said: “While we do not take this action lightly, the move to a three-day week is absolutely necessary in order to prevent redundancies and protect jobs.

“The Brechin site is at the heart of a co-operative venture between farmers, QPL and the processor, which is vital to the future of the pig industry in Scotland.

“This is a pivotal moment for the Scottish pig sector and we are working closely with farmers to manage the impact of the challenges they face, as well as engaging with all relevant governments and departments to have the licence reinstated.”

A two-week shutdown came into place in late January following a Covid outbreak at the plant.

Under guidance from Defra, QPL suspended the site’s export licence.

QPL submitted its application for reinstatement of the licence in mid-march 2021, following a clean bill of health from the local public health authorities, Food Standards Scotland and Defra.

However, the licence has yet to be approved.

Brechin Community Council chairwoman Jill Scott said: “After the shutdown situation earlier in the year, this is another setback Brechin could really do without.”

Angus councillor Gavin Nicol, who represents Brechin and Edzell, said: “Beyond the worries for the employees and their families this will have a big effect on the farming industry.”

“This is a pivotal moment for the Scottish pig sector

SCALED BACK: The Quality Pork Limited plant in Brechin is facing an uncertain future.