Jobs Cut For Farmer's Co-op
19/01/12
Jobs to go at farm co-opWednesday, February 11, 2009This is SouthWalesFollow
A MAJOR farm supplies co-operative in Carmarthen is shedding jobs to cut costs.
Camarthen and Pumsaint Farmers in Pensarn, which employs around 90 people across the county, is understood to have appointed a turnaround specialist to oversee cost cutting.
Fears have been raised by some employees that around 20 of them could face redundancy.
However, last night bosses were adamant that no more than eight jobs will be axed.
As well as Carmarthen, the co-operative has branches in Llandovery, Ffairfach, Cross Hands, Llangadog and St Clears.
Worried staff have called for an emergency meeting with the co-operative's board to discuss the situation. But bosses have refused to meet them.
Chairman of the governing board Dai Davies said it was regrettable job losses were going ahead but he denied claims that up to 20 jobs were set to go.
Mr Davies, who is also president of NFU Cymru, would not state where jobs would be lost.
Responding to calls for an emergency meeting, Mr Davies said: "The board is elected to make decisions such as these, that is our role.
"If we called meetings with everyone each time a difficult choice was needed, we wouldn't get anywhere."
He added: "We have to look at the business to make some cost cutting.
"It is sad that jobs are being lost, but this is necessary to ensure Carmarthen and Pumsaint Farmers continues, as it has done for the past 100 years.
He added: "Considering the current economic climate, we are doing as well as any other business."
One farmer, who did not wish to be named, said: "Many farmers feel, given the exceptional nature of the issues, that members should be briefed in a public meeting and should be able to contribute to a discussion as shareholder."
In 2007 discussions over a possible merger took place with Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers.
Some believe the current situation might force Carmarthenshire and Pumsaint to reopen these discussions.
The 105-year-old co-operative sells agricultural and country products throughout South and West Wales.