The Minsters of Agriculture and Economy have a ‘responsibility and a duty’ to intervene on behalf of 70 Banbridge jobs which were placed at risk on Tuesday evening at the Armaghdown Creameries Facility in the town.
This was the demand from Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Councillor Glenn Barr, with Mrs Dobson describing the situation faced by staff as ‘heart-breaking.’ The Upper Bann MLA has written to Michael Hanley, Chief Executive of creamery owners Lakeland Dairies, Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen and Economy Minister Simon Hamilton following contact from distressed employees and their families.
Commenting Mrs Dobson said:
“This announcement from management has come as a body blow to staff who are going through a difficult and uncertain time. Just three months ago the staff at the Creamery had been told that their jobs were secure when Lakeland purchased the facility from Fane Valley – Tuesday evenings announcement has pulled the rug out from underneath them.
“I have spoken directly with many of the employees who have been affected by this decision and it is very clear that not only has this been handled disgracefully it will also result in almost immediate financial implications for staff and their families.
“I understand that staff were told on Tuesday evening that there would be no further drying at the plant and whilst management discussed production beginning again in March, this could not be guaranteed.
“With jobs being put at risk in this way this really calls into question the Executive strategy towards our largest employer the agri-food industry. With constant talk of new job growth in the sector through ‘Going for Growth’ we now have jobs threatened in this way in the dairy industry.
“It is unfortunate that the company chose not to consult with local elected representatives before this decision was taken, resulting in far-reaching consequences for its staff.”
Local UUP Councillor Glenn Barr said:
“Staff have been forced into an impossible position and we will be working alongside them throughout this process.
“On Wednesday I instigated the Councils response, suggesting that multi-agency workshops be provided to assist the staff who I know have very many unanswered questions. At present it is unclear as to the job losses and redundancy packages available from Lakeland Dairies and we need to do all that we can to assist, provide information and make those affected aware of their employment rights.”
Concluding Mrs Dobson said:
“I have written to both the Stormont Agriculture and Economy Ministers to request that they personally intervene with the company on behalf of the employees and also to involve the Labour Relations Agency given how quickly this decision will affect staff.
“The Creamery has been a consistent and major employer in Banbridge for many decades at its Rathfriland Road site and whilst the focus at present is rightly on the 70 jobs most directly affected there will be others jobs which hang in the balance if it were to close.”