Unite gives ‘cautious welcome’ to new investment in Annan

Unite the union has today (18 March) given a ‘cautious welcome’ to the new investment at the former Pinneys of Scotland plant in Annan.

The factory has been bought by food processing company Bhagat Holdings Limited who are investing in the site with public assistance in the form of a £1.7m Regional Selective Assistance grant being awarded. Production is forecast to begin in the autumn.

Unite is asking for assurances and clarity that Bhagat Holdings Limited will adhere to the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First criteria, including supporting trade union recognition and collective bargaining for the workforce in light of the public assistance through Scottish Enterprise. 

Andy MacFarlane, Unite regional industrial officer, said: “The new investment at the former Pinney’s factory in Annan is, of course, a positive development. However, Unite would like clarity over a number of issues including whether the Scottish Government will uphold its own Fair Work First criteria by ensuring that Bhagat Holdings Limited opens its doors to trade union recognition and collective bargaining based on the public funding it has received. This is vital if the workforce is to be effectively represented, and that decent wages, terms and conditions can be provided. So, Unite cautiously welcomes today’s announcement but the people of Annan deserve further clarity on what sort of employer Bhagat Holdings Limited will be.”