POLITICIANS and unions have been reacting to the news that more than 700 jobs at a chicken factory on Anglesey are at risk.

The 2 Sisters Food Group plan to cease operations at their factory in Llangefni. This follows a review of the company's UK poultry division.

In a statement, the company said its Llangefni factory is "not sustainable".

They added: "It is old, one of our smallest sites and lacking space to be efficient. The cost to produce here is higher, and it would require significant investment to bring it up to the standards of our other factories.

"Our products can be made more efficiently elsewhere across our estate."

Unite has reacted to the decision with with anger.

Peter Hughes, Unite Wales Regional Secretary said: “The closure of 2 Sisters would be a catastrophic blow to the economy and local communities of Anglesey and North Wales as a whole. The company has dropped this bombshell on its workforce without consultation and without any notice whatsoever. To say that our members are outraged at the way they have been treated is an understatement.

“Unite will fight to reverse this decision.

"Urgent talks are scheduled for tomorrow and 2 Sisters have big questions to answer. Every possibility of reversing this decision will be explored by the union. We intend to force the company to reconsider and we will demand that the Welsh Government joins the campaign to save the plant. This decision cannot be accepted.”

Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Môn, called the news "devastating."

Ms Crosbie raised the news in Prime Minister's Questions today (January 25).

She said: "I know the Prime Minister will share my concern at the news this morning that 730 people may lose their jobs at the 2 Sisters chicken factory in Llangefni, one of the largest employers on Ynys Môn.

"What support can the Government offer both to my constituents who are affected by this devastating news and to the wider the community at this difficult time?"

Rishi Sunak replied: "I am very sorry to hear about the job losses my hon. Friend raises. My thoughts are with those affected and their families. I know how distressing that will be for them.

"I am pleased to say that the Department for Work and Pensions has procedures in place to support communities when situations like this arise.

"We will work very closely with her to do what we are doing everywhere across the country, which is providing good well-paid jobs for everyone, because that is the best way to build a happy and secure life."

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) voiced their concern and re-iterated the decision to close the food processing site is a "blow" for the community, the economy and for food processing in Wales.

Guto Bebb, FUW Chief Executive, said: "We are naturally concerned about the impact this will have on our food supply chains as we are losing another food processing site in Wales. 

“This will have consequences with regard to limiting food miles and sustainability and urgent action is required to address the lack of food processing facilities in Wales."

Anglesey council Leader, cllr Llinos Medi, voiced her "immense disappointment".

She said: "This is another devastating blow for the Island with 730 people employed at the 2 Sisters plant. Those employees and families impacted are our priority and immediate concern, especially with the cost-of-living crisis continuing to bite. We will work with the company and partners to ensure that they receive the support they deserve.

“Now is also the time for urgent and decisive action from both UK and Welsh Governments – both of which can facilitate more investment and much needed jobs on the Island.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Môn, said: "The news that 2 Sisters has decided to start a consultation on closing its plant in Llangefni is truly devastating and my thoughts go out to the more than 700 staff who’ve been informed that their jobs are at risk.

“I've tabled an emergency question to be discussed in the Senedd [on January 25]. Intense and urgent action will be required from the Welsh Government in response to this announcement.

"Firstly, everything has to be done to see if it is possible to change the company's minds in the first place, of course, and to save jobs - or as many as possible - but following today's conversation I wouldn't want to raise hopes.

"I will fight for as much help as possible for the workers, working with the Welsh Government and Anglesey Council.”

Sam Rowlands MS for North Wales, said: "I am pleased that my colleague, Virginia Crosbie MP, has raised this issue directly with the Prime Minister and has been assured of the DWPs commitment to supporting those affected by today’s news.

“I will expect all layers of government to work together during this time to bring about the best possible outcome for those affected."

Prior to posing her question in Parliament, Ms Crosbie said: "This is devastating news for all those employees who are threatened with redundancy at the 2 Sisters factory in Llangefni. 

"I was briefed by the company this morning (Janaury 25) and it appears it has been badly affected by a range of issues with energy cost rises in April being a major part of the decision to consult on a closure to protect other parts of the business.

"I will be speaking to the unions very soon and I would support a task group being set up to help navigate what is happening and what could happen, if the factory closes."

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"Regrettably, the review shows our Llangefni factory is not sustainable. It is old, one of our smallest sites and lacking space to be efficient. The cost to produce here is higher, and it would require significant investment to bring it up to the standards of our other factories. Our products can be made more efficiently elsewhere across our estate.

"Therefore our proposal is to cease operations at the factory, putting the site at risk of closure.

"Clearly this will be extremely disappointing news for our Llangefni colleagues, and it is no reflection of their continuing hard work and commitment. However, we have a duty to remain competitive and protect our wider business on which many thousands of people depend. 

"Our key priority now is to hold meaningful consultations with all affected employees and their representatives and explore the full range of options before making any final decisions about the closure of the site.

"These options will include all redeployment opportunities in the region with the help of all relevant support agencies, both inside and outside the business."