Asda pullout piles pain on Anglesey

Around 350 jobs will be lost at the Welsh Country Foods abattoir after Asda refused to reconsider plans to withdraw a major contract.

Unions, politicians and local people have led a massive campaign to save the jobs and devastated workers have called on customers to boycott the store.

Unite regional officer Paddy McNaught predicted the decision could have dire consequences for the community and local economy.

He said: "We're both saddened and disappointed by tomorrow's news. It is another bitter blow to the workforce and all those who have overwhelmingly supported calls for Asda to reconsider their actions."

The latest official unemployment figures show that the number of people claiming benefits on the island is already up by 5 per cent on last year.

And farmers worried about the knock-on effects of Asda's decision were holding crisis talks last night with the island's Assembly Member Ieuan Wyn Jones.

The former deputy first minister said: "This announcement is a massive blow to the local workforce, their families and the local economy, in an area where the economy is already very fragile.

"The potential loss of this abattoir will be devastating for local farmers in north-west Wales given that there are no large plants nearby."

Farming unions dismissed Asda's claim that it remained committed to supporting Welsh farming.