Scotland editor

OPPOSITION MSPs urged the Scottish government to provide significant funding to save almost 500 jobs at a historic biscuit factory in Glasgow’s East End. 

Transnational company Pladis, which owns the McVitie’s factory in Tollcross, has ignored desperate pleas from unions and community groups to cancel the factory’s closure, which would put hundreds of people out of work. 

An action group consisting of the Scottish government, Glasgow City Council, the Unite and GMB trade unions and others tabled a counterproposal that would allow production to continue and save many workers from redundancy.

These plans were rejected earlier in the summer, with the potential development of a state-of-the-art 250,000-square-foot factory ignored amid concerns over funding. 

In a Holyrood debate today, brought by Glasgow Labour MSP Paul Sweeney, ministers were urged to back a plan which could see the costs of a replacement factory covered by the Scottish government.

The proposal was backed by former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard, who accused Pladis of “banditry.”

Mr Sweeney said that unions are fighting relentlessly to protect as many jobs as they can. 

Describing Pladis as“shameful,” he told MSPs: “Pladis and their parent company Yildiz Holding are a classic example of the unacceptable face of capitalism. 

“As far as I am concerned, their conduct amounts to industrial vandalism that will inflict misery on a community that cannot afford it.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that the company are not going to budge. That is why I implore the Scottish government to put their cards on the table and take the lead.

“Let’s save these jobs and ensure that we don’t add McVitie’s to the growing list of brands lost by Scotland’s lack of an industrial strategy.”

It is estimated that the cost of underwriting the proposal could be in the region of £58 million, which could be recouped through a sale and lease agreement and asset financing.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said the government’s main priority has always been to save jobs and support the workforce, adding that the government is open to providing financing.  

“Sadly, as is the case with other companies, we cannot force Pladis to maintain a presence in Scotland,” she said. “We can only present the most compelling case we can to persuade them to remain here.”

In a statement, Pladis said: “The formal consultation process is ongoing and no final decisions have been made. We will continue to engage with our employees and their representatives on a weekly basis and remain committed to a meaningful consultation with them.”