THE Co-op group’s ethical values will be “ripped apart” should it fail to save jobs threatened by the closure of the Shieldhall coffin factory in Glasgow, Unite said today.

In April, the group announced plans to close the facility and transfer operations to a new site in Merseyside, putting 81 posts at risk of redundancy.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The Co-op’s slogan is ‘Owned by you. Right by you.’ The closure of the Shieldhall factory will tear those values apart, and it will make a mockery of its mantra of putting people before profit and supporting communities.

“The Co-op still has an opportunity to live up to its values by protecting the jobs in Shieldhall. The workers and Unite are demanding they halt this needless closure and work with us on viable alternatives.” 

Shieldhall factory workers have signed a letter urging the board to reconsider the plans. The Co-op was contacted for comment.