The Springburn factory is to be sold off after it escaped the axe following a decision by the UK Government to close other sites staffed by disabled workers.

An announcement due on Wednesday on the future of the plant was delayed, leaving workers concerned the new buyer will cut terms and conditions and pension rights as part of a deal to buy it.

Patricia Ferguson, Maryhill and Springburn MSP, said the solution is for the Scottish Government to take over the factory.

She asked Fergus Ewing, Minister for Enterprise, if the Government would consider buying the factory and running it in the public sector.

She said: "The factory makes wheelchairs and we have a backlog of people waiting for a wheelchair. Would the Scottish Government consider acquiring Remploy?"

Mr Ewing said he wanted the best possible outcome for the workers in Glasgow and in other factories in Scotland. He said: "Yes, I will take fully into account all practical suggestions.

"Legal responsibility for Remploy doesn't rest with myself but with the UK Government.

"We are straining every sinew to ensure a future for workers in Springburn. I believe there is a future for the work to be carried out and in a financially viable way."

He said the Scottish Government did not support or approve of the decision taken to close or sell the Remploy factories – to save the UK Government cash in subsidies.

UK minister for Disabled People Esther McVey is due to visit Holyrood to discuss the matter next month and Mr Ewing suggested there could be a debate following that.

Ms McVey has also been invited to visit the Springburn plant to meet with workers and trade union leaders to discuss the concern about erosion of their conditions.

Staff at the factory staged a five day strike earlier this month in protest at the bidding process where it has been suggested two interested parties were advised to withdraw.

While other factories are to close, the Springburn site was identified as one where it would be sold off as a commercial enterprise into the private sector.

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk