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Freshlink workers to receive tailored support package

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MSP John Mason, backed by the Scottish Government, has assured those made redundant by the closure of Freshlink in Glasgow will receive “a tailored package of skills development”.

The closure of the factory, which was announced last week, will lead to 145 employees losing their jobs. Mr Mason has confirmed that the promises of support to the employees will be met. A PACE team has been created by the government in order to do this.

Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing is set to visit the factory on Friday to discuss the specifically tailored package of support that will be provided to employees.

Staff at Freshlink have complained about uncertainty over finish dates, hindering their ability to look for new work without compromising their redundancy pay.

Mr Mason, who had campaigned to keep the factory open and has expressed disappointment over the closure announcement, is helping to focus on providing the best support for Freshlink employees.

He said: “I welcome the fact that the Scottish Government has confirmed that a PACE team is drawing up a tailored package of skills development for workers and that it will continue to offer every support possible.

“The information on when the factory will close that has been given to workers by the company so far has been totally inadequate, so the assurance that the Enterprise Minister will press for more answers is a positive one.

“It is an extremely difficult situation when anyone loses their job, but that is made so much worse when workers are facing unnecessary uncertainty over when they personally will finish working there. After the way they have been treated, the workers at Freshlink deserve far, far better.”

Freshlink factory to close

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ABP Foods today announced the upcoming closure of its Freshlink sausage factory situated in Glasgow’s east end.

The closure will lead to 145 people being made redundant. It was considered by the company to be a cheaper option to relocated to an existing site than any of the other solutions offered within consultations with Glasgow City Council. The work will now be moved to a factory in Yorkshire.

Shettleston MSP John Mason expressed deep regret that this decision was taken, and announced the focus will now be on supporting the 145 employees to “move into alternative employment.”

He said: “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.”

Mr Mason went on to criticise Freshlink for showing “little enthusiasm” to keep the factory in Glasgow open. He said: “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.”

Freshlink confirmed that production will end early next year, but an exact date has not yet been given.

MP for Glasgow East Margaret Curren described the closure as a “real blow”. She said: “This is devastating news for the staff at Freshlink. The loss of these jobs is a  real blow for the East End where we’re already suffering from the effects of this economic crisis

“ABP Foods did not consider the profound effect this decision will have on both its employees and the local area. Freshlink has a dedicated workforce who do not deserve this terrible news.”