Laws comments on chard job losses

David Laws, MP for Yeovil Constituency, today commented on the loss of up to 250 jobs at the Chard company, Oscar Mayer. The job losses are being made because of a squeeze on profits through higher food prices, combined with the need to reduce business costs:

“This is very sad news indeed. My thoughts are with all those people at the company whose jobs are at risk, and with their families.

“Although unemployment in our area is low, it is always terrible for people to lose their jobs, and this is the last thing people need in these much tougher economic times.

“Oscar Mayer is one of the biggest employers in South Somerset, and there is no doubt that this is a blow to the local economy.

“I have spoken to the Site Director at Oscar Mayer, and he has made clear to me the firm’s continuing commitment to the Chard business, in spite of this big setback.

“The business has been particularly hard hit by soaring world food prices – and in the present ultra-competitive environment, it is very difficult to pass these costs on.

“I will do everything I can to help those employees who are affected by this announcement – and we need to make sure that there is proper support and advice for re-training and for securing other work.

“I hope that management and staff will work constructively together to reduce the number of compulsory redundancies and to arrange as much practical help as possible.

“Meanwhile, I will be approaching the other relevant agencies and local councils to see what more can be done to attract new businesses and jobs into Chard. The economy is changing very fast these days, and we need to secure new jobs for the town, including high skill, high pay, employment.

“I hope to visit the company soon to discuss with the management anything which I can do to be of help.”

ENDS

Category: Constituency News