JOHN MASON SPEAKS OF FRUSTRATION ON FRESHLINK

22 Oct 2012

Shettleston’s MSP, John Mason, has expressed major frustration about the on-going uncertainty created by the proposed closure of the Freshlink sausage factory in his East End constituency.  The proposed closure puts some 145 jobs at risk.

Mr Mason’s comments follow the latest meeting of the task force which met in Glasgow this morning.

Commenting, John Mason MSP, said:

“I am extremely disappointed with the company’s lack of willingness to engage constructively in this process.  I continue to attend the taskforce which is chaired jointly by Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government.  All parties continue to put in a massive effort to try and save these jobs, yet Freshlink continue to just send one junior Manager who has offered nothing of substance.  It seems to me that the company are treating the East End, Glasgow and Scotland with utter contempt.

“People’s livelihoods are at stake here – now is not the time for playing games.  As far as I can understand, they have already been offered a fairly generous package to help them move within the area.  I think they have been offered a better deal than Vion (Hall’s) were in West Lothian. But the amount of these offers of public funds are strictly limited by European and other legislation. Freshlink need to realise the urgency of this situation which would undoubtedly be a major blow to the East End economy.

“There are a number of questions I would like answers to.  For example, what would it take to keep Freshlink in the East End or have they already decided to leave?

“One of the major things Freshlink need to consider is that they have a large and skilled workforce in the East End.  Clearly any relocation would mean having to train new staff elsewhere from scratch.

“The task force has some very high level people involved including Enterprise Minister, Fergus Ewing MSP, Margaret Curran MP, senior public sector officials, elected members and trade union representatives.  Everyone is putting maximum effort into this issue whilst Freshlink sit back and do nothing.  It’s time for action now”.