Taking into account meat inspectors, contractors, casual workers and transport operators, the job losses will number close to 400.

The abattoir had appeared to be running successfully but according to management unexpected costs, loss of contracts and the drought all impacted on the business and force the decision to call in the receivers.

Workers are concerned about losing owed wages and entitlements and it may be some time before they know their situation and receive their money.

Many workers, both permanent and temporary staff, will find it hard to get alternative employment in Young.

The fruit picking season has finished in the district.

Abattoirs at Cootamundra, Junee and Gundagai have increased their staff of late but jobs were filled by locals.

The current drought conditions are having a major impact on finding enough suitable livestock for slaughter.

If daily kill numbers are down, there will not be any expansion in the workforce at these abattoirs, especially for temporary staff.

This decision to shut the abattoir immediately has been descibed as devastating by Young Shire Mayor Stuart Freudenstein.

He is hopeful new owners will be found and the abattoir can re-open sooner rather than later in an operational mode.

However, this appears unlikely and the facility will remain idle in the short term.

The Young Shire Council has contacted the Federal Government to see what help is available to the sacked workers and is working with authorities to assist where possible.

Many other businesses in Young rely on the abattoirs and their staff and the full flow on effect will be felt in the community immediately.