AN East End biscuit factory is to cut more than 200 jobs as part of an overhaul.

The site in Tollcross, which employs 700 people, was taken over by Turkish billionaire businessman Murat Ülker earlier this month.

His company Yildiz Holdings bought United Biscuits, which makes McVitie's and Jaffa Cakes, as part of a deal worth an estimated £2bn.

Workers at the Tollcross factory were told yesterday that 202 jobs are at risk in a restructuring which will also create 36 jobs.

Many of them are represented by trade union GMB which has been involved in a dispute with the company over pay and conditions.

Secretary of GMB Scotland Harry Donaldson said: "The Chief

Executive Martin Glenn met with each shift at Tollcross today, starting at 5am. He delivered devastating and wholly unexpected bad news that there would be 202 job losses out of the 700 jobs at the plant.

"This has come at the worst time of year in the run-up to Christmas. GMB will support all members at this difficult time."

Local MP Margaret Curran described yesterday's announcement as a "dark day."

She said: "If the proposals go ahead it will be a tragedy for those affected and a real blow to the wider East End."

A spokesman for United Biscuits confirmed that they have announced proposals to "restructure working practices and manufacturing operations" at the site.

He said: "Without these changes Tollcross will not have a sustainable future in the local community. Regrettably we do anticipate redundancies through this process.

"This is part of our ongoing commitment to deliver a modern, efficient and competitive operation, and without these changes Tollcross will not have a sustainable future in the local community.

"We are now discussing the proposal with employees, employee representatives and local government.

"Individuals who may be impacted will be able to benefit from the PACE outplacement programme."

He added: "However, it also means some new opportunities will be unlocked with the creation of 36 new roles and also the introduction of 19 up-skilled operator positions available.

"This would mean an overall headcount reduction of 166 jobs."

Executive Martin Glenn met with each shift at Tollcross today, starting at 5am. He delivered devastating and wholly unexpected bad news that there would be 202 job losses out of the 700 jobs at the plant.

"This has come at the worst time of year in the run-up to Christmas. GMB will support all members at this difficult time."

Local MP Margaret Curran described yesterday's announcement as a "dark day."

She said: "If the proposals go ahead it will be a tragedy for those affected and a real blow to the wider East End."

A spokesman for United Biscuits confirmed that they have announced proposals to "restructure working practices and manufacturing operations" at the site.