The Gmb is calling on Glasgow to put an embargo on the sale of the land that the Mcvities factory now stands if the planned closure goes ahead.

Union Branches call on Glasgow City Council to place a planning embargo on the land the McVitie’s factory occupies in the event of closure.

Union Branches representing almost 80’000 workers across Scotland have signed a joint letter demanding that Glasgow City Councillors ‘take the necessary steps’ to prevent the sale of land where the McVitie’s Tollcross site stands for residential purposes, should the company press ahead with its plans to close the historic factory.

The site closure announced by Pladis, the Turkish owners of McVitie’s, earlier this year, has been met with widespread condemnation by politicians and the local community and will result in the loss of almost 500 jobs.

It is hoped the planning embargo will act as a disincentive to the business deciding to close operations in Glasgow and hopefully protect some of the livelihoods at risk.

GMB Scotland Organiser, David Hume, explained; ‘We have said that we will explore every avenue and exhaust every option to save these skilled manufacturing jobs in the East End and this is why we are writing to every Glasgow City Councillor seeking their support.

With the support of the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council, the action group to save the jobs has formulated a robust and comprehensive counter proposal which will be submitted to the company on Tuesday 27th July.

We are clear that only if they agree to co-operate to save these jobs and protect the history of our local community, should the land they own then be repurposed for residential use and then sold on for that purpose.’