THE Welsh government has convened a task force to support workers affected by the potential closure of 2 Sisters Food Group’s Llangefni processing plant.

Wales’ minister for the economy Vaughan Gething said the group would be “determined to do all we can” to support employees following the news.

See also: 2 Sisters Food Group proposes closure of Llangefni plant

In late January 2 Sisters announced it proposed to close Llangefni, putting about 740 jobs at the factory at risk. It is a major employer in the town.

The firm said the site was old, inefficient and could not be upgraded.

In a written statement, Mr Gething said a task force would be set up to support employees as well as consider the broader economic and social impacts of the announcement.

Impacts

The first meeting of that taskforce took place on 3 February, and was attended by senior officials from the Welsh Government with representation from Isle of Anglesey Council, UK Government, DWP, 2 Sisters Poultry Ltd and the Unite Union.

“This is a clearly a worrying situation facing not just the workers, but the wider community,” said Mr Gething.

‘Support’

“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.

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 taskforce will be exploring all options, including the potential to continue with plant operations and safeguard these jobs if possible.”