South Canterbury job fairs well-supported, roles offered to displaced staff

Saturday, 9 November 2024

Workers react to news Alliance Smithfield will close.

Job fairs aimed at finding work for displaced Alliance Smithfield plant staff have had strong support, with some of those out of work offered roles on the spot.

Two fairs were held in Timaru this week - the first, on Tuesday, organised by the Ministry of Social Development in conjunction with the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Venture Timaru and other support agencies.

A second fair, held by recruitment agency Canstaff the following day, offered roles elsewhere, including in the Australian and New Zealand meat industries.

The job fairs were announced in late October in a move to combat the loss of more than 600 roles with the closure of Alliance Group’s Smithfield meatworks plant.

Venture Timaru chief executive Nigel Davenport said more than 35 businesses with jobs on offer attended Tuesday’s fair.

“Great connections were made, a number of jobs offered and there are also numerous discussions ongoing between workers and potential new employers,’’ he said.

At Wednesday’s Canstaff job fair at Timaru’s Kia Toa Bowling Club are Manaia Wereta, left, Elijah Jenner, 4, and Akesa Kolovatu.

Davenport said businesses in attendance had been surveyed to get an overview of the jobs offered and accepted not only on the day, but leading up to it.

“And also to get an understanding of what discussions around potential employment are ongoing,’’ he said.

The results of the survey were not yet available, he said.

Former Alliance Smithfield in-house nurse Jane Domingo speaks to Viberi’s Anna Leger at Tuesday’s job fair at the Caroline Bay Hall.

“The feedback from the businesses and organisations involved have, without exception, all been super positive with the overwhelming theme being one of a great sense of community and a welcoming environment for all.’’

South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wendy Smith said the fair had been a “significant piece of work’’ and was highly valuable.

“It served to demonstrate how our community pulls together in tough times and looks to support our workers,’’ she said.

Glesila Anderson, left, Meggie Quismundo, Gemma Despacio, Rowena Manolos and Dave Lester at Wednesday’s Canstaff job fair.

“With over 35 businesses represented there were a range of jobs available in varied industries.’’

She said nearly 400 people, including Alliance Smithfield workers, attended the fair, either seeking work or looking for different career options.

“Anecdotally we have been advised of multiple job offers, interviews and some highly skilled roles finally being filled.’’

The job fair at the Caroline Bay Hall in Timaru on Tuesday attracted good numbers, organisers say.

Meanwhile, Canstaff managing director Matt Jones said about 70 people attended Wednesday’s fair, where five Australian companies looking for workers were represented.

Of those 70, Jones expected more than 50 would travel across the ditch for work over three to four months.

He said there were three key themes from those at the fair that created “plenty of discussion’’.

Canstaff managing director Matt Jones at Wednesday’s job fair.

These were that Canstaff did not charge fees to help people find jobs.

“Employers pay our fees which has always been the case.’’

He said attendees were also surprised to hear the positions on offer at the fair were year-round jobs, not seasonal work, as had been the case for most at Smithfield.

Ane Sila, left, Losi Kaufana, 2, Laumanu Kaufana, Ikani Sila and Lose Peti at Wednesday’s Canstaff job fair.

The fact the jobs on offer had an 11% superannuation contribution by the employer, over and above the weekly take home pay packet, had also been a nice surprise for those at the fair, he said.

Jones said the fair had a “family atmosphere’’ with most staying around for at least an hour afterwards for more information.

“[There was] lots of open dialogue and sharing information around the room and support for these people as they make decisions which could affect the rest of their lives and their families,’’ Jones said.

It is anticipated with the closure of Smithfield, up to $50 million a year in wages alone would be lost to Timaru’s economy.

Economic activity in Timaru declined 1.3% in the year to June 2024, and an Infometrics report released in August showed unemployment in the district had risen to 3.7% in the 12 months to June – higher than it had been for some time.