A BAKERY firm has revealed that more than 50 Scottish workers may be made redundant amid plans to centralise the business in England.
As many as 70 employees at Allied Bakeries in Milton, Glasgow, may lose their job due to proposed manufacturing changes at the Glentanar Road factory.
The firm says the changes could be made to improve their "efficiency". If the proposals are accepted they said redundancy notices will have to be served.
It would be yet another blow for workers in the city, after redundancy threats at the McVitie's site in Tollcross and the announcement Tesco Parkhead would close.
Their jobs would be lost to a centralised production facility in England, the area's MSP Bob Doris said.
The SNP representative for Springburn and Maryhill added: "I have been informed by Allied Bakeries that they are consulting on redundancy for 70 posts at their Balmore Estate bakery in my constituency.
"This would see their bakery operation reduced from 90 staff to 20. They have assured me that 200 other jobs on the distribution side of the business at their Balmore Estate base remain secure.
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"I have urged Allied Bakeries to reconsider their proposals. Not only will this lead to 70 workers being forced to seek new employment, but it will also add additional ‘food miles’ to the distribution network as bread baking is centralised in England. This appears part of a wider restructuring and centralisation plan by Allied Bakeries.
"Whilst this is a commercial decision, I believe Allied Bakeries have got this wrong. I think consumers would hope bread serving the Scottish market is baked here.
"I have written to the Scottish Government asking that they also contact Allied Bakeries and seek to persuade them to abandon these proposals.
"Whilst I want to see the jobs retained in Glasgow it is only right and prudent that the Scottish Government also offer PACE support (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) to identify other suitable job opportunities.
"I know Allied Bakeries are working with the impacted workforce to identify alternative employment but the way to secure jobs is to abandon these restructuring plans."
A statement from Allied Bakeries read: "Allied Bakeries has proposed some changes to the product range manufactured at our bakery in Milton.
"Allied Bakeries Glasgow remains an important part of the business and will continue to produce speciality breads and operate a depot that delivers freshly baked bread to over 800 stores across Scotland every week.
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"The changes are being proposed as part of a series of steps to improve our flexibility and efficiency as we respond to a very competitive market for wrapped bread in particular.
"Regrettably, if these proposals are accepted, they will result in some redundancies. We recognise that this will be a significant cause for concern for our employees and are committed to providing support to anyone impacted to help them find alternative work, either within our bakery network, or another business owned by our parent company, Associated British Foods."
The company went on to say that efforts have also been made to help find alternative local employment, by hosting recruitment events for two local businesses and supporting employees through the application processes.
The statement added: "We would also welcome any other enquiries from local employers."
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