MEDICAL staff at one of Scotland's largest conference centres have been told they are to be fired an replaced with a private firm.

Around 40 workers at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow were informed yesterday that they will no longer be required and that future medical cover will be provided by business Ambulance Scotland.

The staff members provided medical cover during conferences, concerts and other events at the SEC - formerly the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre - and the Hydro venue with some chalking up almost 20 years service.

They were brought in in two groups for meetings with bosses where they were told they would be let go. The process followed a review of medical service provision.

First Aider Cameron Millar, 55, said he worked a zero-hours contract earning around £8.25 an hour.

Mr Millar, from Airdrie, who has another job as a engineering technician at the University of Glasgow, said: "I'll be alright but there are students and other people on the staff for whom this is their main job so they are going to be struggling.

"We knew that something was coming because there was a review - which was initially called an audit - of the work. But no-one expected us all to be let go.

"There's people who have been working here for 15 years and they've just been shown the door."

Fellow First Aider Wilson MacDougall said that although the work was described as part-time, he could work up to 40 hours a week.

He said: "The medical staff included nurses and doctors but we've heard that non of them will be needed when the new firm takes over.

"The decision is being driven by cost, but it doesn't make much sense as they can;t be saving much. It's going to leave a lot of people really struggling.

"There's been no offer of redundancy or transfer once the contract gets taken over."

A spokesman for Unite the union said: “This situation highlights the dangers of zero hour contracts.

"They undermine the normal rights of workers and can make it difficult to secure redundancy, or the right to transfer to a new employer.

"We are seeking advice with a view to supporting any member affected.”

The SEC plays host to thousands of visitors each year, while stars to appear at the Hydro include some of the biggest names in the pop world such as Madonna and Beyonce.

A spokeswoman for the campus said: "Our business strives to continuously review and develop our services to ensure that we offer the best possible experience and care for our customers.

Following a review of our medical service provision we have appointed an external contractor, which is one of the top providers of Ambulance and Paramedic event cover in the UK. Ambulance Scotland’s highly trained staff are very experienced in working at all kinds of public events, from sporting events to concerts and festivals."

She added: "Workers who are no longer contracted with the SEC will be reimbursed for any cancelled shifts previously scheduled during their contract period.

"The medical provision for events varies depending on the risk assessment. We assess each event on a case by case basis to decide the appropriate medical cover required."