IT IS feared the potential closure of Kensey Foods in Launceston would be ‘devastating’ for the local economy as families could be forced to take up employment further afield in neighbouring Callington and beyond.

Kensey Foods, located at Pennygillam Industrial Estate, is part of the Samworth Brothers corporation and produces a wide range of chilled desserts and quiches and employs around 650 people.

Following the announcement that a formal consultation is to be carried out, with a view to potentially close the factory by the end of July, many locals have expressed their heartfelt condolences for those facing possible redundancy.

A former team leader at Kensey Foods told the Post they were ‘not surprised’ but were very saddened by the news. When asked what they believed had led to this consultation, they said: “I believe this is due to a lack of communication between senior and middle managers. Those on the shop floor are having to constantly fight fires (figuratively) and received no support for these actions.”

The Post also spoke to a number of local residents about their fears of how any closure would affect the town and its people. Wishing to remain anonymous one person said: “I think it is appalling how the workers have been treated and it will be a real blow for Launceston.

“It will also be a shame for all the youngsters who work up there during the summer, there are so few jobs around here and you have to wonder where are the 600 odd working up there now going to go? It’s going to put a strain on everything.”

The company confirmed the factory has been making a loss for the last six years and the potential closure could see around 650 people lose their jobs. When asked if she thought the factory would close or whether something could be done to improve it, one lady said: “Our mayor said on the radio ‘if’ it closes, well I don’t think it is an ‘if’ anymore, it’s a when. If they have been making a loss for the last six years it will be very difficult to come back from that.”

But the overall feeling was that of sadness for the families affected. One lady who knew a number of people who currently work at the factory said: “It is very sad for all of the employees and we feel very sad for all their families, especially as a lot of them hadn’t found out before it was posted on social media.”

Her friend concurred: “To find out on social media first is an awful thing and is just not right. I really don’t agree with how they have been treated.”

It was clear from speaking to people on the street that there are growing fears over the effect the closure of such a large employer would have on the town as a whole.

In response the mayor of Launceston Cllr Margaret Young said: “It will be devastating for the town and terrible for the local economy but it is the families who are going to be touched most by it. It will cause their lives to be turned upside down if it is closed and I have implored the county council to step in.”

When asked if she thought Cornwall Council would be able to help financially, Cllr Young said: “I don’t think they can or will but they can step in with support. I don’t know all the facts but there are mechanisms to help people write CVs and get them into work but that is only ok if you can find work in the town — 650 people is a lot to redeploy.”

So what is next for Kensey Foods and its employees, should the factory close? Leader of Cornwall Council and ward member for Launceston North and North Petherwin Adam Paynter (Lib Dem) confirmed the council is taking steps to provide support for the staff during the upcoming consultation.

Cllr Paynter said: “To hear this news both saddens and concerns me. The council have been quick to respond, looking at ways to support those workers effected. Launceston has two thriving industrial parks, and such a loss will be detrimental to Pennygillam.”

He continued: “I have spoken with the Samworth Brothers’ team and their property manager is going to look long term at what could happen with the site.

“One option would be to carry it on as a factory but I think that is unlikely. They could also sell the property on to another operator who could continue producing similar products, but again that seems unlikely due to the age and condition of the infrastructure and the state of the market’s industry.”

He added: “It isn’t a massive shock that this is happening since they have been running at a loss for the last five to six years, however it is a massive blow for the area and the employees. But Cornwall Council will do what it can to support the staff through this process.”

Launceston Central ward Cllr Gemma Massey (Lib Dem) said: “This is incredibly disappointing and upsetting for our community. We understand the company is looking at options to redeploy some employees to alternative sites within the company, but it is essential we now work to support those families whom have been affected.”

Launceston South ward Cllr Jade Farrington (Lib Dem) added: “This is a big loss to our town. Swift action is being taken to ensure those involved are offered appropriate support, and I am encouraged to see CDC working with other agencies to identify new employment opportunities. I hope the whole community will rally round and offer support to those who need it.”

Cornwall Development Company (CDC) contacted Kensey Foods to offer assistance to employees following the announcement of potential job losses. The CDC operated ‘Growth and Skills Hub’ will be on hand to help workers, and CDC has mobilised Cormac, Corcare and Jobline to directly identify job opportunities for any employees impacted by the closure.

Support will also be offered by MP for North Cornwall Scott Mann and his office. He said he has been in contact with the managing director of Kensey Foods and has promised his office will ‘do everything it can’ to support the employees during this consultation period: “After being informed of the announcement regarding the Kensey Foods site in Launceston, my thoughts are with those workers and their families who are affected by the planned closure.  As a matter of urgency, I spoke with the firm’s managing director so I can understand the reasons for the company’s decision and identify what assistance can be offered at local and regional level to support the staff who will be affected. My office will do everything it can to help out at this difficult time.”

Chairperson of Launceston Chamber of Commerce Irena Jordi-Slater agreed the closure of a big employer like Kensey Foods could have a ‘big impact’ on the local social economy but support and guidance would be provided by the chamber as well.

She said: “First of all our sympathy goes out to Kensey Foods and all their staff. We were quite dismayed by the news and it’s overwhelming, considering Kensey Foods has been the biggest employer in this area for some time.”

Irena was optimistic as Samworth Brothers Ltd have said there will be ‘opportunities for a good number of individuals’ to be redeployed to its Callington bakery ‘The Cornwall Bakery’, however she acknowledged that there may be some who are unable to take up this opportunity due to family commitments.

Irena said: “The closure of Kensey Foods could have quite an impact on our social economy. A big percentage of their staff are from the Launceston area. In some cases it will affect whole families, who have been employed by Kensey Foods.

“There are vacancies in The Cornwall Bakery in Callington and other companies in Leicester area (all part of Samworth Brothers). But it will still affect quite a percentage of staff who can’t leave the area, due to family commitments.”

However Irena says there may be a silver lining: “Pennygillam is a busy industrial estate. It has attracted many very good businesses. The loss of Kensey Foods can create a new opportunity for some existing businesses to expand or some new ones to move in.”

Should Kensey Foods close its doors for good in July support for workers will be available through the chamber of commerce, which offers a free CV writing course and support for those looking for job opportunities or self-employment.

Irena said: “The good news is, that there are various organisations, including us, who can help in these times, like Growth Hub (EU funded), Crisis Funds — Cornwall Community Foundation and many more. They can dilute some of the impact and create new opportunities.”

Jobcentre Plus has also said it will be happy to provide support if required.

A spokesperson for Jobcentre Plus added: “This is all at a very early stage at the moment, but Jobcentre Plus is ready to offer support, if and when the employer wishes us to do so.”

To read more about what people are saying in Launceston, pick up this week’s Post.