POLITICIANS in Glasgow have shared their shock at the news of several workers facing redundancy at a local bakery firm. 

Allied Bakeries revealed today that employees may be at risk of losing their jobs at the Milton site.

It is believed that up to 70 jobs could be at risk. 

Glasgow Times:

Bailie Jacqueline McLaren said she was devastated to hear the news. 

The Canal councillor added: "The loss of these jobs is a blow to the workers, especially as they kept up production throughout the Covid pandemic.

"Allied Bakeries are such an integral part of our Milton community and have built up great relationships with local organisations, especially during lockdown.

"I hope that Allied Bakeries will reconsider these proposals and think about the environmental impact of produce being brought by road to Scotland and what that will do to the environment.”

Glasgow Times:

The news comes shortly after redundancy threats at the McVitie's site in Tollcross and the announcement of the closure of Tesco in Parkhead.

Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, stated that behind every employee is a family and loved ones, who are faced with the threat of redundancy.

He added: “This announcement by Allied Bakeries further compounds the misery being experienced by workers in Glasgow. 

“Tesco, McVities and now Allied Bakeries means that those who have worked tirelessly throughout the Covid pandemic now face being shunned by these multinational employers and it’s utterly shameful.

“Time and time again we see large businesses owned outwith Scotland treating staff as expendable assets.

"It’s why I’ve consistently called for an industrial strategy that puts workers and Scottish ownership at the heart of our economy. 

“I will be writing to the Scottish Government looking for clarity on the measures they are putting in place to prevent this.

"They should offer a review of the plans by the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service to see if an alternative investment-led approach at Milton is feasible.

"I’ll also be seeking an urgent meeting with the company to discuss the apparent efficiency plans and will insist that the relevant trade unions are included in those discussions from the outset.”

We previously reported that the jobs would be lost to a centralised production facility in England, the area's MSP Bob Doris said. 

READ MORE: Job cuts threat hangs over Glasgow bakery amid 'plans to move production south'

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.

"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."

Glasgow Times:

A statement from the company, given to the Glasgow Times, 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.

"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."

Glasgow Times:

Anne McLaughlin, MP for Glasgow North East, added: "This will be a devastating blow to an area already suffering from high levels of unemployment and I would urge Allied Bakeries to reconsider.

"I will be writing to the Scottish Government and working with all parties concerned to do everything possible to keep these jobs in North Glasgow."

Local councillor Robert Mooney also shared his thoughts. 

He said: "The jobs have been there for a long time. It's usually families that work with them. A whole family could be out of work and it's just tragic. I hope that the Scottish Government might step in and see if there's any help that they can give."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “In the unfortunate event that redundancies go ahead, the Scottish Government will provide support to any employees facing redundancy through our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative. 

“Through providing skills development and employability support, PACE aims to minimise the time individuals affected by redundancy are out of work.”