Group will 'leave no stone unturned' over McVitie's site

An action group formed to help seek a viable future for the McVitie’s Factory in Glasgow has vowed to “leave no stone unturned” as it examines all options.

It comes after the company which owns the brand, Pladis, told staff earlier this month that it intends to close the site subject to a 90-day consultation, due to begin on Thursday.

The move could result in the loss of 468 jobs at the site in Tollcross, with the factory ceasing operations in the latter half of 2022.

The group is jointly chaired by Scotland’s business minister Jamie Hepburn and Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken, and will also include trade unions, Scottish Enterprise and other partners.

“This announcement has been devastating not just for those who work at the plant, but for their families and the wider east end of Glasgow,” said Hepburn.

“I have been clear that the Scottish Government will pursue every opportunity to find a viable and sustainable future for the plant and its workforce.

“The action group will leave no stone unturned to come up with a proposition that demonstrates to the company the support which can be offered and help retain its strong historical links with the area.

“But we will require a willingness from Pladis to be engaged in the process.

“Having spoken to the unions and local politicians I am confident there is a shared desire to use the coming weeks to find a viable future for this plant.”

Susan Aitken said: “We feel very strongly that Pladis has an obligation to its workers at this historic east end factory, and we will work with them to ensure that they reconsider their position and consider alternative options which would keep the factory open.”

Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said he hopes the company engages immediately with the action group.

He said: “Unite urges the owners Pladis to positively engage with the workforce and the hundreds of families dependent upon the factory remaining open.

“We hope the company will engage immediately with the action group so that we can jointly consider all the possible options available which can save jobs”.

David Hume, GMB Scotland Organiser, added: “This is the story of company that has thrived during a public health crisis, thanks to the efforts of a workforce who are now being rewarded with the closure of their plant.

“For Pladis it’s back to ‘business as usual’ and that can’t be left unchallenged.”