Abattoir workers laid off again

The company has laid off over 40 workers

A Gwynedd abattoir has closed its doors for the third time due to restrictions after a new foot-and-mouth case in Surrey.

The Cig Cibyn abattoir in Caernarfon, which depends heavily on the export market, has laid off 40 workers.

The company said it hoped to back in business soon.

The National Farmers Union will meet the Assembly's Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones on Thursday to discuss the future of the livestock industry.

The NFU are worried the present restrictions will have far reaching effects.

Dai Davies President of NFU Cymru said, "There is no doubt in my mind that we are in a crisis situation, market prices are extremely poor, fodder and keep are getting tighter by the day, and there is an urgent need to move animals to avoid welfare problems.

Cig Cibyn

The Farmers' Union of Wales said it was sad at the news at Cig Cibyn, and hoped the closure would only be temporary.

Around 70% of the lamb handled at the plant is exported and at its peak the abattoir processes 2,000 lambs a day.

"I am sad to hear about the closure but fully understand that this is the way to lessen any losses for suppliers," said FUW regional officer Gwynedd Watkin.

Everyone just hopes that the restrictions will not last too long Gwynedd Watkin, FUW

"It's incredible that this company has suffered such bad luck, again.

"Everyone just hopes that the restrictions will not last too long and that the company can start again."

One problem with workers being laid off was that some then inevitably searched for other jobs, Mr Watkin added.

"I think three workers found other jobs last time they were laid off, but it should be emphasised that the company has only temporarily stopped trading, and hopefully things will get back to normal soon."

The company would not comment further than to say they hoped to be back in business when the latest export ban is lifted.

The abbatoir had twice in August laid off staff following the export ban imposed after two foot-and-mouth cases were confirmed in Surrey.

At the time, co-director Sian Pritchard said 47 workers had been laid off at the plant and a further 17 allied jobs had also been affected.