Over 300 jobs are at risk following the announcement a major retail meat packing plant in Co Tyrone is to close.
Anglo Beef Processors (ABP) announced on Tuesday afternoon the Linden plant on the Granville Industrial Estate in Dungannon will be shut down.
Changes in the UK landscape “have led to the difficult but necessary requirement to consolidate and reduce the number of its retail packing facilities”, the company said in a statement.
The company added: “Regrettably therefore it is our intention to cease retail packing at our ABP Linden retail packing facility based at Granville Industrial Estate in Dungannon.
“As a consequence, we have entered into a formal consultation process with 338 colleagues whose jobs are at risk. We will seek to minimise the impact on those who are affected. This would include redeployment where possible.”
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Colm Gildernew has expressed his concern over the at risk jobs. PICTURE: PA
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Colm Gildernew expressed his concern over the hundreds of jobs at risk.
“This news will come as a shock to the workers at this retail packing facility, and my thoughts are with them and their families,” the Sinn Féin representative said.
“I would urge the company to do all it can to retain as many jobs as possible, including redeployment. It must also support those workers made redundant with retraining or re-skilling.
“I will be engaging with the company in the time ahead and would urge its management to ensure proper communication with employees and trade unions.”
Diane Armstrong MLA described the employees at the plant as “skilled workers who now face enormous uncertainty.
“For many families, this announcement will cause real anxiety about how they will make ends meet in the weeks and months ahead,” the Fermanagh and South UUP representative said.
“There is also the very real prospect that some people may be forced to travel further afield or even relocate to find alternative employment, which brings additional financial and personal strain.”
She described the agri-food sector as “absolutely vital” and that it is “essential that those affected by this decision receive immediate and practical support”.
“I am calling on the Economy Minister to urgently engage with ABP Foods, trade unions, and relevant agencies,” Ms Armstrong added.
The company said it would continues to receive and process cattle and sheep at a separate facility located on the same industrial estate in Dungannon.
An ABP spokesperson added: “This has been a very difficult step. But we are facing a challenging and changing UK and global marketplace for beef and lamb.
“Stream-lining our operations is a necessity to achieve operational efficiencies, maintain our competitiveness and strengthen our business for the long term.
“We are providing support to all colleagues at risk of redundancy within the ABP Linden retail packing facility. This will include exploring opportunities for redeployment or relocation.”