Bosses at Brechin pig factory hit by covid outbreak confirm closure
The Quality Pork Processors plant will be shut for two weeks
Last updated 25th Jan 2021
A Brechin pig slaughterhouse at the centre of a coronavirus outbreak will be closed for two weeks.
Infection broke out at the Quality Pork Processing plant last week, with NHS Tayside confirming 19 connected cases on Friday.
Now bosses have spoken out publicly for the first time. A statement from the company reads: "The QPP Board has agreed it is in the best interests of the health and safety of its team members to temporarily halt operations at its pig processing site in Brechin for a period of two weeks, commencing Saturday 23rd January.
"The decision has been made as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce and the high level of absenteeism at the site which has made maintaining safe operations extremely difficult.
"All employees are now being treated as close contacts of a number of team members who have received positive test results during the past week.
"All affected colleagues are being fully supported to self-isolate in line with government guidelines, and we are working closely with public health authorities, Scottish Government and farmers to help manage the situation.
"All those employees unable to work as a result of the closure, including anyone currently self-isolating, will be placed on furlough."
Andy McGowan of Scottish Pig Producers (SPP) said: “We support the difficult decision of the QPP Board to temporarily halt operations at Brechin for a period of two weeks.
"We are working closely with our farmers during this period to source additional accommodation for the pigs and ensure animal welfare standards are not compromised.
"The Brechin facility is key for the longer sustainability of the Scottish pig industry and to ensure livestock does not have to travel long distances.
"We will work with the QPP Board in planning for the reopening of the facility as soon as possible to limit the impact on animal welfare for our farmers.”
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