Job losses at Walkers Foods, Fforest Fach , Swansea

It was announced this morning that the Walkers Foods plant in Fforestfach, Swansea is to close.

I know that Members will join me in expressing disappointment at this news and the effect it will have on the 250 workers and their families.  I will ensure that my officials and those in the other agencies do all that they can to help those affected by this news.                            

The company called a meeting of its workers this morning.  It announced that the plant will close by March 2006.  Half of the workforce will be made redundant by January.  The company says that production of its snacks will move to other UK plants, including its facilities in Lancashire and County Durham.  The company says that this will allow it to achieve cost reductions through savings on distribution costs.

The workers in Swansea will be given the opportunity to move to other Walkers plants.  I have already been in contact with USDAW and I know that the union at the plant will be robust in supporting their members at this time.  

This is disappointing news and a sad day for Walkers’ workers and their families.  The plant in Fforestfach, with its distinctive clocktower, is well known to everyone in Swansea.  It has provided employment for many families in the area for decades, originally as Smiths Crisps before it became Walkers.

I have spoken to the company about this announcement. My officials, together with the WDA and Swansea Council are meeting the company this afternoon to discuss the situation.  I can assure the Assembly that every support will be offered. I will be able to brief colleagues further at EDT committee next week.  
 
This is a sad announcement.  All of us in Swansea regret that a brand-leader such as Walkers should choose to leave the area, after such a long association.

While cold comfort to those affected by this announcement the labour market in Swansea is robust and demand for labour remains high. We will do everything to help the workers affected by this announcement find alternative employment and will provide skills training if necessary.   Despite today’s news, the food processing industry has been quite successful in Swansea and its surrounding area.  Major local employers such as Ethnic Cuisine in Swansea and Dawn Pac in Crosshands demonstrate that the area continues to be home to viable businesses in this sector.