Reform Wales Shadow Economy Minister Jason O’Connell MS has raised concern over a consultation at Kepak in Merthyr Tydfil, which could see up to 85 jobs at risk.
Kepak, Wales’ largest meat processing plant, is a major employer in the region and is estimated to contribute around £200 million to the local economy; supporting jobs and the wider farming and supply chain.
O’Connell said the potential job losses are a serious blow for Merthyr and reflect growing pressure on Welsh food production and confidence in the livestock sector.
He intends on raising this in the Senedd next week.
Jason O’Connell MS said:
“It’s really worrying to see a consultation like this at one of the biggest employers in Merthyr, with up to 85 jobs potentially at risk. These are real people’s livelihoods in a community that can’t afford to lose this level of employment.
“Kepak is absolutely vital to the local economy. It supports hundreds of jobs directly and indirectly, and it sits right at the heart of the farming supply chain here in Wales.
“There’s a real sense that food production and the wider agricultural sector are being taken for granted. Farmers have been warning for years that confidence is being undermined and that livestock numbers are under pressure, and now we’re seeing some of the consequences of that.”
Related Posts
Nathan Gill responds to Tata Steel job losses
Threat of job losses highlights need for EU to be pressed on Chinese dumping
Labour celebrates mine closure leading to 200 job losses