Blow to town as 90 factory jobs put at risk (From Bournemouth Echo)

Blow to town as 90 factory jobs put at risk

10:30am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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NINETY jobs are at risk at a meat-processing factory in Shaftesbury.

Pork Farms confirmed that 60 per cent of the 150 posts at the plant at Longmead are under review following the loss of a major customer.

A 90-day consultation process on job losses began yesterday, and is thought to include all positions at the factory, including clerical staff.

The district’s MP, Bob Walter, said a lack of other jobs, and the closure of the town’s job centre, would leave workers facing a difficult future.

“It will hit an area like Shaftesbury where I’m not sure there are any obvious alternative employment opportunities at the moment,” he said.

“I’m very concerned about these 90 people who are going to be forced on to the job market, with no job centre.

“It will certainly push the 11 per cent unemployment rise in January still higher.”

Unemployment in North Dorset has risen by over a third in the last year. Claims for JobSeeker’s Allowance increased by 10.9 per cent in January alone.

Food producers in surrounding areas could also be affected, said Mr Walter, with meat and egg products made at the factory.

Town mayor Cllr Lester Dibben said the factory was likely to be among Shaftesbury’s largest employers.

“This is a big blow for us. Ninety people is a high number for a small town like Shaftesbury, where many people commute. It just underlines the importance of a skills centre where people can gain other skills,” she said.

A spokesman for Pork Farms said: “Every effort will be made to support our employees through this time and we will offer outplacement support in finding new employment and training opportunities for those affected.

“Pork Farms remains active in pursuing new business opportunities and we believe this decision will help to maintain profitability and secure the future of the site.”