Scottish councillors react to potential Vion closure

Councillors in West Lothian, Scotland, are discussing with Vion the options in light of the possible closure of Hall’s of Broxburn, the largest of Scotland’s pork processing plants.

The announcement of a possible closure was made on 5 July, and has put more than 1,700 jobs at risk in the Hall’s of Broxburn site in West Lothian.

Speaking at a special meeting of the council executive, the leader of West Lothian Council John McGinty said he and the council had “extreme concern” over the proposal by Vion to close the processing plant, which deals with around 8,000 pigs per week.

In a meeting with Vion management, McGinty posed questions on a range of issues concerning the profile of the workforce, the company’s financial position and the lead-up to the 90-day consultation. The councillor’s major concern is the effect the plant’s closure would have on the lcoal community.

The Scottish finance secretary, John Swinney, and rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead have pledged their support, announcing a coordinated taskforce which is being set up to minimise the impact of the proposed closures.

Source: Meat info uk