AN MP has expressed alarm over unconfirmed reports that up to 10 jobs have been lost at a Llanybydder meat factory.

News of the apparent redundancies has fuelled speculation within the meat industry that Dunbia Meats, which employs around 600 people at its Llanybydder abattoir and 176 at a smaller plant in Felinfach, is on the verge of being taken over by a rival company.

Now Jonathan Edwards, MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, has voiced concern over the impact such a move would have on what is a major employer in the Aeron Valley.

In a letter to Welsh minister Lesley Griffiths, Cabinet secretary for environment and rural affairs, and Ken Skates, Cabinet secretary for economy and infrastructure, Mr Edwards said he understood that Cross Hands-based Dawn Meats was in the final stages of a takeover purchase of the Dunbia’s Llanybydder abattoir.

“I am advised that up to 10 jobs have recently been lost at the plant,” he said.

“The Dunbia plant is a major employer in Llanybydder.

“I am concerned regarding further job losses and the impact this will have on the local economy.”

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