GMB: Threat to concrete plant latest blow to Scots manufacturing

Scotland is being stripped of crucial jobs and industrial capability in a sudden wave of redundancies, GMB Scotland warns.

The threatened closure of an asphalt and concrete plant in North Lanarkshire with the loss of 32 jobs is the second jobs blow in construction supply chains in recent weeks and must raise red flags at Holyrood, according to the union.

GMB Scotland has written to Kate Forbes, the economy secretary and deputy first minister, warning the proposed closure of the Aggregate Industries site, near Glasgow, has come without warning or justification.

It is urging politicians to intervene to encourage the company to review the decision and protect the country’s manufacturing base.

The job losses at the plant in Chryston, owned by Holcim UK, come only weeks after 41 redundancies were announced by Tarmac at a cement plant in Dunbar.

Robert Deavy, GMB Scotland senior organiser in manufacturing, warned Scotland is losing skilled jobs and industrial capability of huge strategic importance.

He said: “The Aggregates site produces asphalt and concrete and it is difficult to think of two materials more important for a country serious about construction and growth.

“This threatened closure comes weeks after job losses announced at Tarmac and ministers must understand what is going on and take action.

“Job losses at this pace in a sector of such industrial and economic importance cannot be ignored.

“How can Scotland build for the future when we are losing the capability to supply the roads and construction industry?

“Why are skilled jobs like this at risk in Scotland at the same our governments are talking about building our manufacturing capabilities? It makes no sense.”

Deavy said the closure of the Aggregate Industries plant, in North Lanarkshire, came out of the blue just weeks after talks changes to shift patterns to allow improvement works at the site.

He said: “The closure of the site would be another brutal blow to an area already hammered by the economic damage of deindustrialisation.

“It cannot be allowed to go ahead and our politicians must do everything possible to encourage the company to find a new forward and secure the future of this plant.”

GMB Scotland has asked the deputy first minister for an urgent meeting to discuss the threatened job losses as the consultation process at Aggregate Industries continues.