90 jobs face axe at Pork Farms (From Dorset Echo)

90 jobs face axe at Pork Farms

5:00pm Thursday 11th March 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

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 30-day consultation process on job losses has begun 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.

Town mayor Lester Dibben said: “This is a big blow for us. Ninety people is a high number for a small town like Shaftesbury, where many people commute.”

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.”