Fury at sausage factory job chop

by - 23/07/2012

"A campaign is underway to save 140 jobs which are under threat at a sausage production plant in Glasgow's East End.

Freshlink foods in Shettleston is the second Scottish meat factory facing the chop this month after the shock closure announcement at Ha"

A campaign is underway to save 140 jobs which are under threat at a sausage production plant in Glasgow's East End.

Freshlink foods in Shettleston is the second Scottish meat factory facing the chop this month after the shock closure announcement at Hall's of Broxburn in West Lothian two weeks ago.

Glasgow Labour MSP Drew Smith said: "The factory is profitable but the parent firm appear to have decided that they want to close it."

Smith has called on Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney to establish a task force to address the Freshlink job cuts.

"It is clear that there is a crisis in the Scottish meat products industry. The Scottish Government must make clear that this industry and these jobs are a priority.

The East End needs a similar task force in place as has rightly been pulled together following the terrible news from Hall's of Broxburn."

More than 140 staff at Freshlink have been issued with redundancy notices. Including temporary and agency workers.

The factory employs around 200 people in an area of high unemployment.

Trade union Usdaw's John Toner said: "This is another 90-day consultation placed on our members within food manufacturing to a loyal group of staff who have contributed greatly to the success of this company."

Freshlink - well known in Glasgow as the former McKellar Watt factory - produces 500 tonnes of frozen sausages and meat products each week for retailers including large supermarkets like Tesco and ASDA.

It is part of large meat company ABP UK, owned by Irish food magnate Larry Goodman.

More Details: http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/121698