By JONATHON HOWARD
UNEMPLOYMENT rates across the Southern Downs are expected to spike, after the shock closure of five iconic bakeries and a cafe.
The closure last week included the Stanthorpe Famous Pie Shop, Quart Pot Creek Bakery, Stanthorpe Bakehouse, the Little Cake and Coffee Shop, Tenterfield Famous Pie Shop and Warwick Famous Pie Shop.
The closure has left more than 60 staff members without a job and questions remain over their alleged entitlements.
The business was owned by the Schnitzerlings’ family bakery business and had been running for 20 years across three generations.
The business started in Stanthorpe, before expanding to Tenterfield and Warwick in 2011.
The Free Times attempted to contact the Schnitzerlings for comment, although the family was unable to respond before the time of going to print.
Speculation has since been swirling around Stanthorpe about the alleged handling of the business’s finances, although no records of bankruptcy have yet been filed.
Campbell Page business manager Jennie Porter, based in Warwick and Stanthorpe, said the first step for those facing unemployment was to register with Centrelink.
“While entering Centrelink can be a daunting and tough thing to do, it really can help people get back on their feet with fortnightly payments (if eligible) and job-seeking assistance,” Mrs Porter said.
“The next step is to update your resume, visit Campbell Page and check local job boards as well as register with the local job networks.
“Once you have completed these steps you can start asking around for work, checking online job boards and visiting employment agencies daily.”
Campbell Page has a number of job boards available for the public to view or can be contacted on (07) 4667 5030.
