Kelly slams 2 sisters bosses for economic vandalism
The bosses of the 2 Sisters Food Group have been branded guilty of “economic vandalism” by a Glasgow list MSP.
James Kelly MSP slammed the Cambuslang-based chicken factory who are set to close later this year and cause 450 redundancies.
The owner of 2 Sisters stepped down earlier this year after failing to handle controversies surrounding his company.
And Marks and Spencer has also come under fire for their behaviour in recent months.
They were blamed for letting down both Cambuslang and Annan, as it withdrew from food production facilities in both locations.
In Annan it was the main customer of Pinney’s food plant, and it was the biggest customer of the 2 Sisters.
Mr Kelly said the predicted scale of job losses has the potential to cause havoc to the local economy.
He criticised the company when the issue was brought up in the Chamber of the Scottish Parliament last month.
The Labour MSP said: “2 Sisters is guilty of economic vandalism to Cambuslang. Losing 450 jobs will be absolutely devastating for the local economy and I fear for the impact on many of those affected.
“Marks and Spencer could also have stepped in to save these jobs. The company has completely ignored the needs of the communities which have served it so loyally, including Cambuslang.
“Local people have worked tirelessly on the production line for Marks and Spencer and in return company bosses have stood back and turned a blind eye to the impact of the withdrawal from a major supplier.
“It is appalling the way big businesses have in effect ripped the hearts out of our communities and I know that local people will not forget 2 Sisters and Marks and Spencers’ actions.
“Both Cambuslang and Rutherglen are going through a testing time at the moment and I will do all I can do to ensure the support is available for local workers.”
A 2 Sisters spokesman told the Reformer the Cambuslang site loses £10m a year and they continue to insist the closure was not a decision they took lightly.
The spokesman added: “We are very grateful for the great support we’ve received from several external agencies since we announced closure in April.
“Our sole focus has been helping all affected colleagues, and we continue to work in partnership to ensure we get as many people as possible lined up with new opportunities inside or outside the organisation. This hard work will continue up until final closure.”
An M&S spokeswoman said: “We understand the impact and the disappointment in the local community. This was a 2 Sisters decision and we are supporting them through this difficult period.”