Hundreds more jobs lost in pig-meat industry

Hundreds more jobs have been lost in the pig-meat processing industry this morning as a result of the dioxin scare that has seen Irish pork withdrawn from shops worldwide.

Around 300 workers at Dawn Meats in Grannagh, Co Kilkenny, were laid off this morning as the industry remains in shutdown due to the contamination of feed supplies.

Yesterday, Rosderra Meats confirmed that it had laid off 850 workers at its four plants after being forced to suspend all production.

Hundreds more workers have also been let go or put on protection notice at other factories.

The Department of Agriculture is in talks with pig farmers and processors to agree a compensation package and measures to get the industry back up and running again.