GLASGOW MSPs are urging the new UK minister for disabled people to come to the city to visit Remploy, where workers fear for their jobs.

Staff at the factory in Springburn have been on strike for five days this week over plans to sell off the firm and fears they will lose employment and pension rights.

Maria Miller, who was moved from her post as minister for disabled people to Culture Secretary, was due to visit the plant next month.

Her replacement, former TV presenter Esther McVeigh, has been invited to come in her place and hear the workers' concerns.

Last month the Government shut 25 Remploy sites, to save cash in subsidies, including Wishaw, where 20 staff were affected.

Ministers claim the staff will be able to find mainstream jobs.

The Springburn site, which is considered profitable and employs 50 staff, is one of the plants being sold off.

Patricia Ferguson, Labour MSP for Maryhill and Springburn, has written to Ms McVeigh asking for clarity on the takeover and inviting the new minister to Springburn.

She said: "My concerns are the Government at Westminster is being very secretive about who the potential buyers are and about their proposals for the factory.

"It would appear that the Government has indicated that any purchaser of the factories may not be liable for TUPE and pension provisions."

Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Glasgow, said: "The workers have been let down over pensions provision and employment rights and they deserve to know who the bidders are for the factory.

"I am asking for clarity over who is in charge, is it Remploy or the Government? So far, the losers in this process are the workforce."

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk