Hundreds of workers are facing the axe after a Cambuslang chicken plant confirmed it is to close in August.

The 2 Sisters Food Group said it could not avoid closing the “ a heavily loss-making operation” which employs around 450 people.

The decision to close the South Lanarkshire plant was announced to workers on Thursday.

2 Sisters Food Group (2SFG) said: "Following an extensive period of consultation with colleagues and external agencies, it is with regret that we can confirm the closure of our site in Cambuslang.

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"This is not a decision we take lightly. Since day one, we have been very open on the big challenges the factory faces. In fact we have been trying extremely hard to reverse the position for a considerable period of time.

"We have invested several million pounds since 2014 and expanded by taking on more people, yet it is still a heavily loss-making operation.

"We have tried every turnaround option available to us for several years, ranging from cost reduction measures and an attempt to grow the business organically. It has made little difference.

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"And after many hours of talks in recent weeks, we have not seen any credible proposal to change our view."

Bosses said they hope to keep compulsory redundancies to a minimum and would be looking at redeployment options with colleagues.

The announced closure follows an eight-week consultation between the company, Unite, Scottish Enterprise, Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse and local politicians.

Unite convener Scot Walker said: "In the message to workers today there is a great shedding of written crocodile tears.

"The reality is different. It is about a closure decision that was already reached before consultation began. And then a process to deliver the company's foregone conclusion.”

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Local MSP Clare Haughey called the decision "devastating".

She said: "I am saddened to learn of the decision announced today that the 2 Sisters Food Group are to close their factory in Cambuslang this August despite the best efforts of Unite the Union, the Scottish Government and its agencies.

"My overriding priority now as the constituency MSP is to ensure those who are being made redundant find alternative and suitable work.

"In addition to the support that will be offered by the Scottish Government's PACE team, I have today written to Uddingston-based Dawnfresh to ask that they consider employing some of the well-trained and motivated staff from 2 Sisters.

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"The company could be in line for a major contract from Marks & Spencer, who were a customer of 2 Sisters, and I urge Dawnfresh to speak with the workforce in Cambuslang should they be awarded this contract and require additional staff."

2SFG previously announced it plans to create 250 new roles in Coupar Angus.