Around 40 sheep workers at JBS Longford have been made redundant

The sheep line was temporarily closed in April due to supply issues with lamb and mutton.

JBS Australia planned to revisit the decision in spring, but has now extended the closure with no specific time frame to reopen.

Around 40 sheep workers are affected by this continued closure and will be offered redundancy packages, JBS Australia spokesman John Berry said.

“There will be a notification process in accordance with our industrial agreement,” Mr Berry said.

“Everyone is entitled to severance payments in accordance with their agreements,” he said.

The “temporary closure” has been extended due to supply problems throughout Tasmania and mainland Australia, Mr Berry said.

“Conditions will determine when we look at [reopening] again,” Mr Berry said.

“This decision hasn’t been taken lightly. Conditions haven’t improved [since April]. This is an ongoing supply challenge. It’s no different to what is happening on the mainland.

“It’s a difficult time for us and we are working with the AMIEU [Australian Meat Industry Employees Union],” he said.

The sheep line was temporarily closed in February for four weeks, with that closure extended in April until spring.

Some of the 86 workers stood down in April took alternative jobs within JBS and others found employment elsewhere.

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Peter Skillern said JBS Australia’s move was a commercial one.

“While it is disappointing in relation to those employees, we understand it’s a commercial decision JBS has taken,” Mr Skillern said.

Primary Industries and Water minister Jeremy Rockliff said the continued closure was “very disappointing”.

Workers have had access to the state government’s Skills Response Unit since April with support continuing.

“Jobs are our number one priority and with the broader unemployment rate declining, we will leave no stone unturned to support those affected into new jobs,” Mr Rockliff said.

Lyons MP Brian Mitchell said he was thinking of the 40 JBS Longford workers.

“My thoughts are with the affected workers and their families. Anything my office can do to assist will be done,” Mr Mitchell said.

JBS Australia temporarily stood down 112 staff in August 2016 under similar circumstances and re-employed 100 in November.