Announcement on future of Hall's of Broxburn meat plant due,

Announcement on future of Hall's of Broxburn meat plant due
About 1,700 people work at Hall's of Broxburn

The future of the Hall's of Broxburn meat processing plant in West Lothian could become clearer later.

Dutch owner Vion is expected to tell staff, and the taskforce working to try to save the facility, if there is a realistic chance of finding a buyer.

The factory employs 1,700 people. Workers have already begun talks on redundancy terms.

Vion has said the plant will close next February if a buyer is not found.

In a letter to workers last week, management said "detailed discussions" were continuing with parties interested in the factory.

It added a phased shutdown would start later this month if a "sustainable solution" could not be found.

'Continued dialogue'
West Lothian Council has estimated that about a quarter of the surrounding community in Broxburn and Uphall work at the factory.

The taskforce, chaired by Finance Secretary John Swinney, which was set up in July after plans to close the plant were announced, is due to meet later.

A spokesman said Mr Swinney would reaffirm the Scottish government's continuing support to the community of Broxburn.

He added: "Vion announced a phased run down of the site last week but the Scottish government is encouraging continued dialogue with potential bidders for the site to find a solution.

"The taskforce will also work to ensure measures are in place to help staff looking for work after Vion's announcement, as well mitigating the impact on the wider local economy through assisting with the regeneration of the West Lothian economy."