A CHICKEN factory with a 700-strong workforce will close its doors today (March 31). 

Despite efforts to try and stop the closure of the 2 Sisters plant in Llangefni, the company confirmed it will close for good.

A spokesman for the Llangefni factory said: "Regrettably we can confirm closure of our Llangefni site on March 31.

"Clearly this is upsetting news for all concerned and a very difficult time for colleagues at the factory, who we commend for acting in such a professional and courteous manner during a very unsettling and uncertain period. They are a credit to the community in Anglesey and wider region.

"We promised that our key priority was to create as many opportunities and offer as much support as possible for all of those affected by this closure.

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"Thanks to the efforts of our team and the hard work of support agencies on the island, we can confirm almost a third of colleagues have either secured or applied for roles elsewhere. This includes 113 colleagues who have found jobs in Anglesey or the North Wales region, and 54 who have either secured or applied for roles in our wider business across the UK. We expect all these numbers to rise in the coming weeks.

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"In total, we have delivered more than 1,500 support workshop sessions to the 400 employees who requested it, ranging from CV and letter writing, interview techniques and digital enablement sessions.

"Whilst we acknowledge this can be no substitution for the closing of the site, we remain committed to doing all we can and are offering additional support for a further month after this week’s closure."

In January, The 2 Sisters Food Group said following a review of the company's UK poulty division, they would be cease operations at the Llangefni factory. 

Virginia Crosbie, Ynys Môn MP, partnered with Guy Opperman, employment minister, to attend a jobs fair in Llangefni designed to support workers made redundant at 2 Sisters.

About 18 employers from in and around the area, including The Oystercatcher, The White Eagle, Medic 1, Stena Line and Big Wheelers Driver Training, were in attendance at the Llangefni business centre.

More than 120 people attended - the vast majority from 2 Sisters.

The Employment Support Hub set up at the Bryn Cefni Business Centre, in Llangefni, is offering help and advice to employees affected by the closure. 

Cllr Llinos Medi, Anglesey Council Leader, said: “The loss of more than 700 jobs will have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities here on Anglesey and across wider North West Wales.

“This is an extremely difficult period for all 2 Sisters’ staff and their families.

"The Employment Support Hub in Llangefni is on hand to provide as much support as possible to help all employees find alternative employment or retraining.

"It’s important that staff make use of the advice and resources on offer to help during this difficult time.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS forYnys Môn, said: “The closure of 2 Sisters in Llangefni is a devastating blow to the staff, their families, and our community as a whole. I have been eager to ensure that as much help and assistance as possible has been made available at this difficult time, and I’m grateful to Anglesey Council and partners for setting up the Employment Support Hub for this purpose."

Ms Crosbie MP said: "I have been to the site four times to speak to staff so I know what a difficult time it is for them. However, organisations across the island have come together and as an island we will work together to help anyone out of work find new opportunities.”

Individuals needing advice and support can email Anglesey.employer-partnershipteam@dwp.gov.uk