Task force set up to help staff at 2 Sisters in Llangefni as factory faces closure plans

A task force has been set up by public bodies to help staff at a poultry factory which is at risk of closure.

A total of 730 jobs are on the line after 2 Sisters announced it was planning to close its Llangefni site earlier this week.

The company said the facility on Anglesey was “old” and would require significant investment to keep running.

Politicians and union representatives have reacted to the news with shock and dismay, with the issue addressed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the House of Commons.

During a separate debate in the Senedd, Ynys Môn MS Rhun ap Iorwerth said the firm’s chief executive had told him Brexit and its impact on trading conditions was among the causes behind its decision.

The plans are expected to move fast with a consultation exercise due to take place over the next few weeks.

The Welsh Government has now announced the establishment of a task force aimed at supporting workers at the factory.

In a statement released today following meetings with Anglesey County Council, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “We are jointly announcing the immediate establishment of a task force to offer our full support to the effected employees and the community.

“In addition to the local authority, Welsh Government, DWP, Business Wales and Trade Union representatives, the task force will include other partners who will be able to advise and inform actions in relation to the wider economic and social impacts of this announcement.

“The task force will convene on Friday the 3rd of February 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 to pull all possible levers to offer support to people affected by these recent developments.

“I am determined to ensure that all parties work together in our efforts to deliver a sustainable future for the local economy.”

He continued: “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.

“In this regard, I would stress that the task force 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.”

Main image: “2 Sisters Food Group” by Lewis Clarke is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.