A FOOD group has confirmed it will close its Llangefni site at the end of this month.

The 2 Sisters Food Group will close its poultry processing plant in Llangefni on Friday, March 31.

As of April 1, it is estimated that only some 20-25 of the current 730 strong workforce will be employed on-site.

A joint statement from the 2 Sisters Food Group and Unite said: "Yesterday (March 8) 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, March 12, 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 13 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 March 31.

"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."

Councillor Llinos Medi, Anglesey Council Leader, 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.”

The 2 Sisters Food Group revealed in January that its poultry processing plant in Llangefni was no longer sustainable and that it planned to close.

The Welsh Government, in collaboration with the UK Government and Isle of Anglesey County Council, established a task force to offer support to affected employees and the 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.

Dylan J Williams, Anglesey Council’s Chief Executive, said: "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.”

Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Mon, 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."