Cheese firm job offer to workers at chicken plant facing closure
STAFF INVITED TO SEND CVs TO PLANT 37 MILES AWAY
A CHEESE company has offered jobs at its plant in Gwynedd to workers affected by the closure of the 2 Sisters factory on Anglesey.
Around 740 workers are to lose their jobs after the poultry firm announced its decision to close the factory in Llangefni last month.
The closure of the 2 Sisters poultry factory would potentially be the biggest single jobs hit Anglesey has ever seen. Cheesemakers Joseph Heler have now said they can “offer support and potential job opportunities” for those affected.
Last year, the Cheshire-based firm acquired Futura Food Wales along with the company’s factory in Minffordd, near Porthmadog. The jobs offered to 2 Sisters staff will be based in that factory which is around 37 miles away from the 2 Sisters site on Anglesey.
In a post on Facebook, Heler Foods Packing wrote: “In light of the recent news that 2 Sisters Poultry Ltd are beginning staff consultations in relation to closing their Anglesey site, we would like to take this opportunity to offer support and potential job opportunities to the affected employees within the local community of Gwynedd and surrounding areas.
“Here at Heler Foods Packing, (Minffordd) due to business growth we are on the look out for talent from the food industry whether that be at Operative, Supervisory or Management level. Please send your CV to swalker@helerfoods.com with a covering letter to let us know what opportunities you would be interested in. “
Anglesey’s Chief Executive, Dylan J Williams, said: “The County Council’s two main aims are: to keep the plant open; and if the worst comes to the worst ensure those 730 employees get all the support they need and deserve.
“The 2 Sisters workforce and their families are our main concern now.
“Council Leader Cllr Llinos Medi, Economic Development portfolio holder Cllr Carwyn
Jones and I have already met with First Minister Mark Drakeford, Minister for the Economy, Vaughan Gething and Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, Lesley Griffiths, to discuss this important matter.
“Talks with the company will also continue to try to influence the decision and urge them to reconsider.
“Welsh Government has set up a special task force offering its full support to the effected employees and the community.
“I would like to thank them for their swift response. The task force’s role will be vital as we move forward.
“We, as Council officers and politicians, will do all we can, working with the company, Welsh Government, Unions, Department for Work and Pensions, and other partners, to ensure a future for the plant.
“But it will certainly be a difficult task.”
The Welsh Government has announced that it will be setting up a task force along with Anglesey Council to support the workers affected by the closure.
In a statement on January 26, Vaughan Gething, Minister for the Economy said: “The Taskforce will convene on February 3 to discuss a way forward and will continue to work to understand the implications and to offer any support to the workforce impacted by this announcement.
“This is a clearly a worrying situation facing not just the workers, but the wider community.
“We are determined to do all we can and pull all possible levers to offer support to people affected by these developments.
“I am determined to ensure all parties work together in our efforts to deliver a sustainable future for the local economy.
“This is another example of where Brexit, inflation and the energy crisis are all having a detrimental effect on our economy, affecting real people in our communities.
“We will once again urge the UK Government to act quickly to support Welsh businesses. I would stress that the Taskforce will be exploring all options, including the potential to continue with plant operations and safeguard these jobs if possible.
“The exact membership and remit of the Taskforce will be finalised very shortly. I shall provide a further update in due course.”
The Welsh Government said it had no further updates. 2 Sisters was approached for comment.