EMPLOYMENT chiefs are offering support to staff at two Flintshire sites which are set to close.

The Leader reported recently on announced plans to close both Deeside-based Mondi Consumer Goods Packaging UK Ltd and Mold's Homebase.

In Mondi's case, this means more than 160 potential redundancies. The firm has said it is pulling out of the UK and that work will be transferred to other locations within its global business.

The Leader:

Mondi's Deeside base. Image: Google Maps

A Jobcentre spokesman said 168 workers at the firm are currently in their 45-day consultation period, explaining: "We’ve offered our support and we will engage with Careers Wales, Business Wales and Citizen’s Advice to bring the right support together for their needs.

"We will also look for alternative employment options depending on their job role, skills and experience."

The spokesman said the situation is similar at the Homebase site in Mold, adding: "We know that B&M will take over the lease and we will do all that we can to support the Homebase staff into new roles."

However the timescales for the lease takeover by B&M are "unknown" - according to the Jobcentre.

The Leader:

Homebase in Mold

B&M has been approached by the Leader for a comment about the site.

The Jobcentre has also shared good news in the form of a £5.5 million expansion plan at KK Fine Foods, which the Leader reported on earlier this month.

Speaking of the plans, which are set to create an additional 40 jobs, the Jobcentre spokesman added: "We will work with them to support their recruitment at the right time. "

OPPORTUNITIES

  • The annual Deeside jobs fair will be held at Deeside Leisure Centre on April 23. For more information, contact Mold Jobcentre on 0345 604 3719.
  • A Princes Trust welcome meeting will be held at the Old Court House Café in Flint on Wednesday, January 29 from 12.30pm to 2pm. The session is open to all 18 to 30 year olds and will give the chance for The Princes Trust to go through what support is available and for customers to choose what support/courses they would like to see run in the area.
  • A one-day health and safety in construction environment course is to be held at the Daniel Owen Centre on February 4. The event is to be run by C4W and anyone interested in attending should contact their work coach at the Jobcentre.
  • Presthaven will be at Holywell Jobcentre between 10am and 1pm on January 31 as part of a seasonal recruitment activity.
  • Groundwork North Wales is offering a 12-week structured traineeship where unemployed individuals can develop their practical skills as well as gaining a range of formal accredited qualifications including First Aid, Strimmer Licence, Health and Safety and two Agored units. The group would work alongside the local community to tackle issues and make real life practical improvements. Contact Lisa Jones for more information on 01978 757574.