Media Release
13 May 2008

Work And Income Supporting Oringi Workers

Work and Income is working proactively with Oringi workers following today's announcement about the planned closure of the PPCS processing plant near Dannevirke.

Work and Income and PPCS will be offering a programme of tailored assistance to support the workers into alternative employment, including job training and financial assistance.

"It is always a difficult time when an employer closes its doors, especially for the staff and their families,'' said Penny Rounthwaite, Work and Income Regional Commissioner.

"However the Orinigi employees have good skills and they'll be real assets for other employers. We will continue to work closely with the employees through this transition period."

Before today's announcement, Work and Income had already been helping staff find alternative work as each of the chains ended for their season.

"To date about 130 affected workers have been in contact with the local Work and Income Service Centre and approximately 90 have attended employment seminars and applied for financial assistance," Penny Rounthwaite said.

ENDS

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