The closure of the McVitie’s plant in the East End of Glasgow puts 468 jobs at risk, which Unite Scotland has deemed ‘disgusting’, particularly in light of the £818,000 it received from Scottish Enterprise to upskill the workforce.
A spokesperson from pladis told BakeryandSnacks, “We received a grant from Scottish Enterprise for training and upskilling over five years ago. We can confirm all conditions of that award have been met.”
Additionally, a local news site reported the Scottish Government agency said McVitie’s had also received a separate £193,000 grant in 2016-17 to bring the brand to Tollcross.
Supporting the workforce
Scottish Enterprise works to advance economic development, enterprise, innovation and investment in business across the eastern, central and southern parts of Scotland. According to Gary Smith, Scottish Secretary of the GMB union, the nearly 100-year-old factory is located in one of the most deprived areas of Glasgow.
“We need manufacturing jobs, particularly as we emerge from the pandemic,” he said.
In a statement, pladis said production at the Tollcross facility would cease in the second half of 2022, but would be moved to other pladis sites within the UK.
David Murray, pladis UK & Ireland MD said the company had embarked on a consultation process with the workforce. Scottish Enterprise confirmed it has also engaged with McVitie’s to explore all possible options to support the workers.
A spokesperson said, “Our priority will be to work in partnership with the company, the unions and local authority to provide every support possible to help ensure a productive future for the Tollcross site and its workforce. Should job losses happen, we will provide support to all affected employees.”
