‘Devastating news’ as 2 Sisters confirms Anglesey factory will close at end of month

The 2 Sisters Food Group has confirmed that it will close its poultry processing plant in Llangefni on Friday 31 March.

As of 1 April, it is estimated that only a small number of the current 730-strong workforce will be employed on-site.

The 2 Sisters Food Group announced in January that the facility was no longer sustainable and that it planned to close.

The Welsh Government, along the UK Government and Isle of Anglesey County Council, set up a task force to offer support to employees and the wider community.

This included establishing an employment support hub at the Bryn Cefni Business Centre in the town, involving a number of organisations including Working Wales, Citizens Advice and Job Centre Plus.

In a joint statement, the 2 Sisters Food Group and Unite the Union said: “Yesterday (March 8th) was the final formal consultation meeting between 2 Sisters Leadership and Unite and our employee representatives.

“The business confirmed that to date there have been no viable alternatives to closure identified, including funding support from government.

“Whilst the 45 day consultation period ends on Sunday 12th March, both parties have agreed that consultation has been exhausted and unless there is a change to the current situation, the likelihood is that the site will announce on Monday 13th that the status will change from a proposal to cease operations to an intention to close the factory.

“It has been agreed that it is in the best interest of all colleagues for the winding down period to be as short as operationally possible, the intention is for the last date of production to be the 31st March.

“Production volumes will be significantly reduced during this time period in order to maximise the available time for colleagues to attend support events which will continue throughout. Final one-to-one consultations will be carried out in the next couple of weeks.

“We realise that this has been a distressing and unsettling time for all colleagues and would like to commend everyone on site for their professionalism during this difficult period.”

Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie said: “This is devastating news and I know it will be a shock for workers at 2 Sisters.

“I have been to speak to staff three times since the consultation started and the DWP taskforce has been working hard to ensure support is available.

“I will continue to do everything in my power to help staff on the island find jobs and training. This is already happening but it will now need to be accelerated.

“I am aware of talks between the company and the UK government around some form of cash support to keep 2 Sisters open.

“The sum of £40 million was talked about but the company could give no guarantees that the facility would remain open in the medium to long term if such support was given.

“I’m sure many people would agree that this could never be a good use of taxpayers’ money without a long-term guarantee for the site.”

Ynys Môn MS Rhun ap Iorwerth said on Twitter: “Confirmation that 2 Sisters not prepared to consider any option for saving their site in Llangefni is heart-breaking for staff and their families.”

Anglesey Council leader Llinos Medi said: “This is devastating news for the workforce and their families.

“Our priority now will be to support them as much as possible and ensure that all 2 Sisters task force partners continue to work together on their behalf.

“We must also focus on the long-term future of the site and the impact losing more than 700 jobs will have on the future of the island and regional economy.”

Anglesey Council’s chief executive, Dylan J. Williams, added: “Our priorities now must be finding new jobs for the 2 Sisters employees and their long-term welfare; securing a viable future for the site and safeguarding our Island’s economy.

“A continuing commitment to collaborate from both Welsh and UK Governments and our partner organisations remains vital.”