2 Sisters: 730 jobs at risk as Anglesey poultry factory faces closure
ITV Wales reporter Rob Shelley brings us the latest update from Llangefni
Hundreds of jobs are at risk after a poultry processing plant on Anglesey announced plans to close.
The 2 Sisters Food Group plant, in Llangefni, employs 730 members of staff.
Employees told ITV Wales that there are many staff members who have worked at the site for over 40 years, and "weren't told anything" about the plans.
The local MP, Virginia Crosbie, said rising energy costs are understood to be a "major part of the decision".
A spokesperson for the company said the site is "old, one of our smallest sites and lacking space to be efficient."
"The cost to produce here is higher, and it would require significant investment to bring it up to the standards of our other factories. Our products can be made more efficiently elsewhere across our estate."
The statement continued: "Clearly this will be extremely disappointing news for our Llangefni colleagues, and it is no reflection of their continuing hard work and commitment. However, we have a duty to remain competitive and protect our wider business on which many thousands of people depend."
2 Sisters said consultations will take place with all affected employees before a final decision on closure is made.
Unite the union has reacted to the news with anger, arguing that the site is "absolutely vital to the local economy."
Peter Hughes, Unite Wales Regional Secretary said: “The closure of 2 Sisters would be a catastrophic blow to the economy and local communities of Anglesey and North Wales as a whole. The company has dropped this bombshell on its workforce without consultation and without any notice whatsoever. To say that our members are outraged at the way they have been treated is an understatement.
“Unite will fight to reverse this decision. Urgent talks are scheduled for tomorrow and 2 Sisters have big questions to answer. Every possibility of reversing this decision will be explored by the union. We intend to force the company to reconsider and we will demand that the Welsh Government joins the campaign to save the plant. This decision cannot be accepted.”
'Devastating news'
Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Mon, described the news as "devastating", and said rising energy costs are a major part of the company's decision to consult on a closure.
She said: "I was briefed by the company this morning and it appears it has been badly affected by a range of issues with energy cost rises in April being a major part of the decision to consult on a closure to protect other parts of the business.
"I will be speaking to the unions very soon and I would support a task group being set upto help navigate what is happening and what could happen, if the factory closes. I am also meeting with the Chancellor this morning and I will be raising what is happening on the island with him as a matter of urgency.
"In the meantime, I will do all I can to work with the company, the unions and the council as this process takes place."
Rhun ap Iorwerth, Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn said the news was "truly devastating."
“I've tabled an emergency question to be discussed in the Senedd this afternoon. Intense and urgent action will be required from the Welsh Government in response to this announcement," he said.
"Firstly, everything has to be done to see if it is possible to change the company's minds in the first place, of course, and to save jobs - or as many as possible - but following today's conversation I wouldn't want to raise hopes.
I will fight for as much help as possible for the workers, working with the Welsh Government and Anglesey Council.”
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