Vaughan Gething, Minister for the Economy.
I write to update Members of the Senedd following the unexpected and disappointing news in relation to 2 Sisters Poultry Limited’s decision to begin staff consultation in relation to closing their Llangefni plant, which would result in circa 740 job losses on Anglesey.
Yesterday I met with the Minister for Rural Affair and North Wales, the Leader and Chief Executive of Anglesey County Council. The First Minister met with the Leader this morning before I met with the Leader of Ynys Mon County Council and 2 Sisters this afternoon. 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 Taskforce 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 Taskforce 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.
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.
The exact membership and remit of the Taskforce will be finalised very shortly. I shall provide a further update in due course.