Up to 50 people are to lose their jobs at two slate quarries, with Welsh Slate blaming a slowdown in construction.

The firm says it hopes to reduce its workforce at Bethesda and Ffestiniog quarries in Gwynedd through voluntary redundancies and early retirement.

The firm currently employs 285 people at four sites in north Wales.


Welsh Slate bought four quarries in December last year from previous owners Alfred McAlpine for £31m.

In January this year, the firm said it was "very confident and very optimistic" about the future of the business.

Announcing the job cuts, the company said it was hopeful compulsory job losses could be avoided.

Managing director Alan Smith said: "The global economic downturn has caused a slowdown in the construction industry and the company must respond to this change in market conditions to protect the long-term future of Welsh Slate and its employees.

"We will do everything possible to ensure that the necessary reduction in staffing numbers can be achieved through a voluntary redundancy programme and offer whatever support and assistance we can to staff during this difficult period."

Presumably this will be at Oakeley and Dinorwic?

Am I imagining it, or has "Cwt y Bugail" (Manod) been let out; or are Welsh Slate working it themselves?

I had a ride up to Manod last Saturday, there was some plant there. It looked to me as though they were recovering blocks or mill cut offs, possibly for wall construction re new road works etc.
Same up at Maen Offeren, plus the grading from the big spoil tip. It was depressing to see the vandalism up there, ammeters smashed etc, but it looked as though there hadn’t been any more done recently.