No aluminium job losses expected

No major job losses are expected at Anglesey Aluminium, according to plant management. There had been concern last week after the parent company, Rio Tinto, said it was shedding 14,000 jobs globally. Anglesey Aluminium Metal Ltd, which employs 515 staff and 50 contractors, has only just gone back to full production following a major fire. A spokesman said some jobs had been shed through natural wastage, and the company always looked at costs. "For the last two years there has been a gradual reduction in the numbers of people employed through a process of natural attrition," he said "Given the economic conditions it is only prudent that this process is carried on and wherever cost improvements can be made, these will be pursued with enthusiasm." There was no expectation of "major job losses" and there were no plans to close any production lines. "Like all other companies we are currently controlling our costs, of which labour is one," he added. One of the main hurdles facing Anglesey Aluminium in the future is securing an alternative energy source from October 2009 when production comes to the end at the nearby Wylfa nuclear power station. The company has however said it is committed to developing a long-term solution to safeguard smelting operations beyond 2009. Source:news.bbc.co.uk