Following the news that meat producer Olhausen’s is to close its three plants with the loss of 160 jobs. Dublin West TD and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said “her thoughts are with the workers following the appointment of a receiver.

“The Olhausen’s range of products is well known in the Irish retail sector. The difficulties the company is facing are symptomatic of the difficulties being faced by many similar companies in the aftermath of the collapse of the economy. The challenge facing the Government is to rebuild the economy around exports and innovation and recent announcements show that we are making progress on this.”

Olhausen’s based in Blanchardstown, was originally established in 1896 as a retail butcher shop in Talbot Street. Dublin, and had since evolved into a major supplier of traditional pork products.

Minister Burton said Enterprise Ireland has had extensive discussions with Olhausen’s to investigate ways to help them survive.

“The company has excellent brands and an extensive business with very good customers including major retailers and food sector companies and we are confident this will be of interest to other parties,” she said.

Minister Burton continued:  “The Department of Social Protection wishes to reassure employees at Olhausen’s that it will work with them to ensure that their needs are met through pro-active and timely access to a range of income maintenance, money advice and employment support services.”

Employees should note that it is not necessary to have a P45 at the time of application for Jobseeker’s payment and to contact their local Social Welfare office without delay.

For those whose income is insufficient to meet their needs, emergency payments may be available under the Department’s Supplementary Welfare Scheme. Information about Supplementary Welfare Allowance and other social welfare payments is available at www.welfare.ie or at local Social Welfare Offices.