Almost 50 Staff Made Redundant In Co Antrim

A chicken processing business in Co Antrim has closed with the loss of almost 50 jobs.

HK Dickey was run from premises on the Granagh Road in Cullybackey and employed 48 staff members, who have all been made redundant.

Managing Director Wesley Dickey said: "The company has been under continuous pressure for some time to keep competitive, to reduce prices; whilst all the time facing rising wage costs, employee pension costs and the ever-increasing cost of produce and ingredients as well as compliance with regulation.

"My parents Hugh and Sally Dickey, who established the business back in the 1950s, have worked hard alongside me to expand and develop the business with a very loyal customer base supporting us over the years.

"Regrettably, however, the business is no longer viable, and we have had to take the very difficult decision to close our doors."

He also said the company's employees have been its "greatest asset".

(CD/MH)