Economic summit over job losses

A council has held its own economic summit in a bid to find local solutions to global economic problems.

Anglesey council leaders were joined by politicians and the business community for a "frank discussion" at the private event.

The future of Anglesey Aluminium, with 500 jobs, was on the agenda, a week after it announced plans to shut its smelting plant in September.

A total of 265 jobs are set to go with the closure of electronics plant Eaton.

The decision was announced earlier this month after a consultation period with workers at Holyhead.

Eaton Electric makes miniature circuit breakers but plans to move work to eastern Europe, where costs are lower.

"Anglesey is certainly already feeling the brunt of the current global financial crisis," said Derrick Jones, the council's managing director, before the meeting.

"Jobs, which we can scarcely afford to lose are vanishing and many people are facing severe hardship," he added.

'Frank discussion'

The aim of the summit was to have a "frank discussion on the main issues and concerns", he said.

"I'll be seeking views on these matters and, ideally, solutions in terms of how, together, we can help improve the situation here on Anglesey," he added.

Representatives from the National Assembly, Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Federations of Small Businesses (FSB), and Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) were also invited.

The financial sector and many of the island's main employers will also attend.

Last week Anglesey Aluminium Metal (AAM), one of the area's biggest employers, said it will end smelting in Holyhead in September, unless it gets a new power deal.

Market downturn

The company relies on power from the nearby Wylfa nuclear station, which is due to close next year.

It denied its decision was due to a market downturn.

Council leader, councillor Phil Fowlie, acknowledges there is no "quick fix" to the current economic problems.

"But I feel it is vital for us to get our heads together if we're to succeed in helping businesses, and the wider community, on Anglesey through this difficult time," he said.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version