More than 100 jobs are to go at an Australian subsidiary of Brazilian meat giant JBS.

The jobs are to be lost at JBS Australia’s Port Wakefield abbatoir in South Australia following a decision by JBS to move from two shifts to a single day-shift operation.

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It has blamed market conditions and the country’s severe drought for the decision.

In a statement sent to just-food, a JBS spokesperson said: “JBS Australia’s Port Wakefield facility has moved from a two-shift to a single-day shift operation as at Monday February 4 2019. 

“This is due to the need to align the processing operations with supply and market conditions, partially driven by the severe drought and the consequent price increase of rations. 

“As a result of this decision, there will be a loss of 102 jobs, of which 66 are labour-hire workers and the balance of 36 being permanent workers. 

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“Our priority is working with our team members in Port Wakefield through this difficult time.”

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