Hall's closure puts 1,700 out of work

Food group Vion, owner of Hall's, said it has been "unable to identify any viable alternative to the closure of the plant."

But local politicians accused Vion of "stringing everyone along," knocking back viable options and putting its "self-interest ahead of the workforce."

Lothian Labour MSP Neil Findlay said: "I am extremely angry at the behaviour and attitude of Hall's and their parent company Vion. It became clear during the consultation process that they were intent in closing the plant no matter what and unfortunately this has now been confirmed."

Livingston Labour MP Graeme Morrice said: "It seems to confirm that Vion's senior management have simply been stringing everyone along for the last three months, particularly after it rejected the very generous assistance package offered by the Scottish government."

The STUC blamed the closure on prolonged "mistakes of management."

STUC general secretary Grahame Smith said: "The STUC is stunned and angry at the news that Vion is to proceed with closing the Hall's of Broxburn plant. Once again, a skilled and productive workforce is paying for the mistakes of management over an extended period."

The workers' union Usdaw said its members at the Hall's site had been left devastated by the developments.

The union's deputy divisional officer Stewart Forrest said: "This is disastrous news for the workforce, for the local economy and for Scotland."