A PLEA for funding of Glasgow's most renowned public venues has been made in an effort to save 500 jobs. 

Trade unions have united in a campaign that calls on the Scottish Parliament to provide the council with cash to save its essential services. 

Unite, the GMB and Unison have lodged the petition to parliament in an effort to preserve Glasgow Life jobs that are currently under threat. 

'Funding for Council Venues' highlights that the potential closures are a "retrograde step" and will "negatively" impact the efforts to improve life expectancy in the city. 

Glasgow Times:

Wendy Dunsmore, Unite industrial officer, said: “The trade unions have lodged this petition with the Scottish Parliament in an effort to highlight the permanent blows about to be unleashed upon the people of Glasgow. 

"We need the Scottish Government to step in and provide the necessary revenue to support local councils to keep these venues open. 

"The venues contribute to the improved health, life expectancy and mental well-being of our citizens. Hundreds of jobs are at stake and the quality of life for the people of Glasgow will be detrimentally impacted if these closures of cultural, sport and leisure venues go ahead.”

Whiteinch, Maryhill, The Coupar Institute, The Gallery of Modern Art and Barmulloch libraries have been closed since March 2020.

Each library has its own dedicated campaign to save it with venues holding read-ins every Saturday in order to raise awareness of why libraries are needed.

Glasgow Times:

According to a report in our sister title, The Herald, Glasgow Life have only been able to open 90 of their 171 venues and has warned that they cannot open any more venues without a further cash injection.

Sean Baillie, GMB Organiser, added: "Well resourced, properly funded and sustainably ran services, such as those which remain closed are on the frontline in the fight against alienation and growing health inequality at a time when they are needed most. 

"This is an insult to every member of staff and of the communities that rely on the services they provide."

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “The petition lodged by Ms Dunsmore will be considered by the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee in due course.

“As with all petitions, the petitioner will be given two weeks’ notice of any consideration of their petition.”