Pressure grows on M&S in jobs fight
MSP wants giant to help save 2 Sisters
Marks & Spencer has been challenged to save Cambuslang’s 2 Sisters food plant from closure – but bosses look set to reject the chance to help.
And adding insult to injury, the high street giant pointed to 2 Sisters investing in areas outside the town as a reason for confidence.
Marks & Spencer is one of the biggest customers at the plant, which is facing closure as part of a plan to move all of 2 Sisters food production to East Anglia.
More than 450 jobs would be axed as a result.
The matter has been raised with Marks & Spencer, which is also facing pressure to intervene in the proposed closure of the Pinney’s of Scotland fish plant in Annan that will lead to more than 500 job cuts.
However a letter seen by the Reformer shows that Marks & Spencer is “supportive” of the 2 Sisters decision.
Paul Willgloss, the company’s director of food technology, made the comment in a reply to James Kelly MSP, who had raised the matter.
The Labour politician asked M&S to use its position to help persuade 2 Sisters to rethink the decision, only to be rebuffed.
In the letter Mr Willgloss stated: “As you will be aware we have been a customer of the site for a number of years and have been working closely with 2 Sisters Food Group as they have been reviewing their production footprint across the UK.
“Following a detailed analysis they have proposed to review the future of the site. They are proposing to consolidate cooked poultry operations into a single site in East Anglia to serve multiple customers.
“We are supportive of the proposal and I can confirm that we have not been reviewing our supply, rather 2 Sisters have determined this.
“We remain deeply committed to Scotland both as an employer and a customer of the Food and Agricultural Sector. Periodic reviews by us and our suppliers are essential to maintain a sustainable, high quality and innovative customer proposition.
“There are other significant investments being made by 2 Sisters and other M&S manufacturers in Scotland at this time, which while not directly helping employees affected by the 2 Sisters proposal, they do reflect our collective confidence in and commitment to Scotland’s food sector.”
However, Mr Kelly has reiterated his call for the company to do more.
He said: “Marks & Spencer should review its decision to move production from the 2 Sisters plant in Cambuslang.
“There are hundreds of local jobs currently at threat and this major retailer could step up and do its bit to keep this factory open.
“This community has served M&S as a core part of its chicken production line – now it’s time for the company to stand up for our local jobs. The closure of 2 Sisters would have a devastating impact on Cambuslang’s economy.”
An M&S spokesman said: “We are working closely with 2 Sisters Food Group on the proposed changes and, if they go ahead, we will ensure they improve the quality of our poultry supply
Now it’s time for the company to stand up for our local jobs James Kelly MP