It is expected an announcement will be made on the future of the Hall’s of Broxburn meat processing plant at some stage today.

Dutch company Vion, which owns the factory in West Lothian, is expected to tell staff whether or not the 1,700 jobs at risk will be saved or lost.

With redundancy talks already underway at the company, it remains to be seen whether or not a buyer will be found in time to rescue the plant.

The factory will close in February next year if a solution cannot be orchestrated.

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But Vion has told staff "detailed discussions" are underway with parties interested in the purchase of the factory.

West Lothian Council has estimated a quarter of the surrounding community in Broxburn and Uphall work there.

A taskforce lead by Finance Secretary John Swinney is due to meet today.

Speaking to BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme, council leader John McGinty said: "We know there is a number of bidders who have come forward to speak to the company about the potential for taking the plant forward. I think we need to find out today what Vion's view is in relation to each of those bids, and how they see the viability of the groups that have come forward and expressed an interest.

"Our hope would be, if there is any realistic prospect of making the plant operational and keeping the business going, Vion will give a fair wind to a bidder who comes forward with that goal in mind, and certainly we would encourage any such bid."

(IT)