Turkey grower takes back 32 staff

British Turkey grower Bernard Matthews has seen an improvement in sales. Due to a bird flu outbreak he had to lay off about 270 workers and now is taking on 32 employees, it has been announced.

The poultry giant said the number could rise to more than 100 in the coming weeks when sales further improve.

Matthews turkey farm was infected with bird flu on 3 February 2007. Some 2,600 turkeys died and a further 159,000 birds had to be destroyed. Restrictions on the movement of poultry in the area were lifted in March.

A spokesman for the firm said: “Bernard Matthews is dedicated to doing everything possible to restore consumer confidence further and re-engage all laid-off employees as quickly as possible.”