A UNION leader at the McVitie's factory in Tollcross has condemned the company's management during the coronavirus crisis.

Workers responding to a survey by the GMB union said social distancing was "impossible" and photos from inside the factory's changing rooms show a narrow gap between rows of lockers.

GMB Scotland organiser David Hume believes most of the products being made in the factory are for the export market – despite McVitie's parent company pladis previously emphasising food and drink manufacturers must be able to maintain production to "continue feeding the nation".

One worker told the union: "I feel they are putting profit before the health and safety of their employees."

READ MORE: McVitie's staff raise more coronavirus fears - but bosses insist safety is taken seriously

The Glasgow Times has reported on McVitie's workers' concerns throughout the pandemic but pladis insists "comprehensive social distancing measures" are in place.

However, Mr Hume said: "Management's approach to this crisis has been shameful.

"The majority of the products made in the Tollcross factory are destined for the export markets and despite the fact we have an ongoing health crisis, the factory has continued to run at full capacity making biscuits for customers as far afield as China and Canada.

"The priority here is profit and nothing else."

The union organiser carried out a survey of members who work in the factory, receiving hundreds of responses. Over 90 percent said they didn't feel safe at work.

One worker said: "There are some areas where social distancing is possible.

"However our changing rooms are no different so, although we are trying to distance ourselves, at peak shift changeover it is not being adhered to."

Another worker added: "I think management are trying but there are times when it’s impossible to be a safe distance from one another, for example, locker rooms.

"I think it's a disgrace that they’re putting our lives and our families at risk for a biscuit."

A spokesman for pladis said the vast majority of food was for the UK market and changes to ensure safety had been introduced in locker rooms.

"Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our people," he said. "Over the last couple of months we’ve followed all the official advice, put in place comprehensive social distancing measures and stepped up our cleaning regime throughout our site.

"We take any concerns seriously, so we’re continuing to talk to our people to get their feedback and to reassure them that we’re following the official guidelines in all areas.

"We also have a 24/7 confidential helpline available to all our people to provide a range of support."