'This has been a very difficult step': Over 300 jobs at risk at ABP Linden retail meat packing facility in Dungannon

ABP announced today that it was their intention to "cease retail packing at our ABP Linden retail packing facility based at Granville Industrial Estate in Dungannon".

A statement said: "As a consequence, we have entered into a formal consultation process with 338 colleagues whose jobs are at risk. We will seek to minimise the impact on those who are affected. This would include redeployment where possible."

A spokesperson for ABP said: “This has been a very difficult step. But we are facing a challenging and changing UK and global marketplace for beef and lamb. Stream-lining our operations is a necessity to achieve operational efficiencies, maintain our competitiveness and strengthen our business for the long term.

"We are providing support to all colleagues at risk of redundancy within the ABP Linden retail packing facility. This will include exploring opportunities for redeployment or relocation.

"ABP UK remains committed to Northern Ireland’s agrifood sector. We continue to focus on developing future opportunities for the sale of Northern Irish beef and lamb within the UK and further afield. Our long-standing procurement partnerships with Northern Irish farmer suppliers is supported by continued investment in the future sustainability of beef and lamb production in Northern Ireland.”

It was confirmed that ABP Linden would continue to receive and process cattle and sheep as usual, and the jobs at a separate facility, also located within Granville Industrial Estate in Dungannon, are not impacted.

ABP’s Lurgan and Newry sites are not impacted and continue to operate and receive livestock as usual. Kettyle Irish Foods in Lisnaskea is also not impacted.

UUP MLA Diana Armstrong said news of the potential redundancies was "a very worrying development".

She said: "This is extremely bad news this evening for hundreds of workers and for many, many homes across our community. My thoughts are with all those affected and with their families, particularly coming so soon after Christmas, when household finances are already under significant pressure.

"These are skilled workers who now face enormous uncertainty. For many families, this announcement will cause real anxiety about how they will make ends meet in the weeks and months ahead. There is also the very real prospect that some people may be forced to travel further afield or even relocate to find alternative employment, which brings additional financial and personal strain.

"The agri-food sector is absolutely vital to our local economy and to Northern Ireland as a whole. It is therefore essential that those affected by this decision receive immediate and practical support. This must include access to emergency assistance, retraining opportunities, and clear pathways into alternative employment where possible.

"I am calling on the Economy Minister to urgently engage with ABP Foods, trade unions, and relevant agencies to ensure that all available support is put in place without delay. Supporting the agri-food sector and maintaining regional balance is a stated priority, and now is the time for that commitment to be demonstrated in real and tangible ways for workers who are facing redundancy."

Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew said his thoughts were with affected workers and their families.

He added: “I would urge the company to do all it can to retain as many jobs as possible, including redeployment. It must also support those workers made redundant with retraining or re-skilling.

“I will be engaging with the company in the time ahead and would urge its management to ensure proper communication with employees and trade unions.”