Glasgow Shettleston’s MSP has spoken out of his frustration and disappointment at the news that the Freshlink sausage factory in his constituency is set to close.

There are 145 people currently employed at the site and efforts will now turn to ensuring that they are given every opportunity possible to find alternative opportunities.

Commenting, SNP MSP John Mason who has campaigned to save Freshlink said:

“I’m extremely disappointed at the company’s decision and know that this will come as a bitter blow to staff at the site.

“It is difficult not to conclude that Freshlink had little enthusiasm for finding a solution that would keep jobs in Glasgow, as the company persistently only sent a junior manager to the task force aimed at saving jobs.

“Having been part of that taskforce for the last four months, I know that substantial offers of help and assistance were put forward.  In addition, senior officials from Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise, Clyde Gateway and others have invested significant amounts of time in trying to find a solution.  It is extremely frustrating that the company chose not to take them up.

“The 145 staff at Freshlink will now be facing an uncertain future, but I welcome the confirmation that the Scottish Government will be putting a PACE team in place to help staff move into alternative employment.

“The company has still not clarified its timescale for closing the plant and this makes it more difficult for staff to find other jobs. This morning a Freshlink employee who has been there 18 years spoke to me and showed me the letter she had received from the Company. It was in very vague terms and, for the sake of the staff, I would appeal to them to clarify each employee’s position.

“My thoughts are with the staff who have had such disappointing news today and my focus will now be on ensuring that they have access to every possible opportunity to find new employment.”