The Welsh Government is making £206,000 of additional funding available to help former 2 Sisters factory staff on Anglesey find new jobs. The decision comes after the 700-worker food processing site in Llangefni shut on March 31 after more than 50 years in the town.
The 2 Sisters Food Group, which employed 730 workers at the poultry plant, said the site was old and would require significant investment to bring it up to the same standard as its other locations. It also told Ynys Môn MP, Virginia Crosbie, that spiralling energy costs were a factor. It is potentially the biggest single jobs hit the island has ever seen.
North Wales Live reports that the Welsh and UK governments have worked with Anglesey Council to help support the staff affected. According to the Welsh Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething MS, the additional funding will boost the Welsh Government's programme, Communities for Work Plus (CfW+) on Anglesey and in Gwynedd. You can get more local news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Read more: Apprentice winner Alana Spencer is closing her Llandudno cafe
The extra investment will enable Môn CF, which supports the people of Anglesey through employment and business support, and Cyngor Gwynedd to take on additional employment mentors through the coming year, and allow Môn CF to commission Citizens Advice Bureau services for those made redundant. Former staff are also being supported through the Welsh Government's ReAct+ programme, which provides them with tailored support to get them into employment as soon as possible.
In a statement, the Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: "The closure of the 2 Sisters plant in Llangefni has had a devastating impact on the local community and the wider region. The Welsh Government set up a taskforce jointly with Isle of Anglesey County Council and the UK Government to ensure everything that could be done was being done to help save the jobs at the plant.
"The taskforce has worked in close collaboration with trades unions representatives at the site. Following the plant's closure, we're doing all we can to help former staff find work. The additional investment I'm announcing today will boost the Welsh Government's Communities for Work Plus employment support service locally, which is providing people with the intensive support they need to find new jobs, or to take up new training opportunities through our ReAct+ programme."
In addition, other core services provided by the Welsh Government's Careers Wales and Business Wales services, and the UK Government's Department for Work and Pensions are also providing support. People who need support can contact Working Wales or call for free on 0800 028 4844.
READ NEXT:
- Man cleared of murder confessed to wife about burglary at dead pensioner's home, inquest told
- Schools don’t have enough money to keep children safe or provide the statutory level of education, warn governors
- Woman killed and child, 4, with life-threatening injuries after 4-vehicle crash
- Man diagnosed with breast cancer encourages others to check their bodies
- Welsh Government unlikely to recoup £7.3m it gave for failed racetrack
Seek out jobs where you live:
