It's gutting... it's hundreds out of work

STAFF TELL OF SHOCK AND ANGER OVER MEAT PLANT CLOSURE PLAN

- STEPHEN TOPPING

DISBELIEF rang around Tameside's Pilgrim plant as another working day came to an end.

Almost 550 workers have been put at risk of redundancy at the meat processing factory, which is set to close its doors.

Staff told the M.E.N. they received the news at a group meeting on Tuesday, when a senior manager from Pilgrim's UK informed them all of the factory's closure, which will follow a 45-day consultation period.

Lenoa Eastwood, from Ashtonunder-Lyne, has worked at the factory for 23 years.

The 54-year-old said: "It's gutting. It's hundreds of people out of work in Tameside. It's a lot of people all looking for the same sort of work.

"A lot of people have been here a long time. There are families that work here, it's a whole household that's out of work - husband, wife, kids. It's going to impact this area a lot."

Many of the Pilgrim's workers have known each other for years, decades, and or lifelong formed friendships.

Almost all workers who spoke to the M.E.N. following their shift yesterday afternoon asked to remain anonymous, fearing repercussions for speaking out. More than 24 hours had passed since the big announcement, and colleagues still in shock - had spoken about little else. One worker said: "Nobody knew, not even management.

"Some guy came in, set up a load of speakers in the car park, let us all in and basically said 'you're all out of a job in 45 days due to the factory losing money. I've got friends here that have been here for 45 years.

"They don't know anything else. There aren't other places like this round here that we can go to."