Union slams ‘callous Co-op’ saying there are viable options for siteUnite has today (Thursday 28 May) demanded the intervention by the Scottish government over the proposed closure of the Shieldhall coffin factory operated by the Co-op Funeralcare.

In April, the Co-op announced that its only coffin manufacturing facility at Bogmoor Place is earmarked for closure with all operations being transferred to a new site in Merseyside putting over 80 posts at risk of redundancy. The proposed closure is expected to conclude by the end of November if the decision by the Co-op is not reversed.

Unite has requested that the Scottish government and agencies such as Scottish Enterprise immediately investigate all options which can save the factory from closure. 

The union stated that the ‘fit-out’ costs associated with a refurbished Shieldhall factory estimated at £12.9m are not ‘insurmountable’, and that alternative local rental options could be used during any refurbishment period. Unite believes a similar furlough scheme to Alexander Dennis’ could also be enacted for workers during any gaps in production.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It’s essential that we leave no stone unturned in supporting the Co-op workers. We need to explore every avenue to ensure the continued manufacturing of coffins at Shieldhall.”

“The Co-op is a very profitable organisation. It simply doesn’t need to make this callous decision. This is a case of profits before people making a mockery of the values the Co-op say it stands for.”

The Shieldhall factory plays a key role in supporting employment in a socio-economically deprived area of Glasgow. The workers have specialist skills which are not easily transferable to other local employers. 

 The Co-op's profit before tax rose to £116m in 2025 with the operating profit standing at £6m in the latest accounts. The Funeralcare business signposted a 10 per cent growth in "pre-need" funeral plan sales.

Unite regional coordinating officer, Alison MacLean said: “Co-op Funeralcare is choosing to go down a cruel road which will throw dozens of highly skilled workers into financial and emotional turmoil.

 “The workers many of whom have given decades of service alongside those who are supporting their families in an area of high social deprivation can’t be abandoned when other options are viable."

“Unite is demanding the government intervene to work with Unite and the Co-op to ensure the long-term viability of the factory, and this process must start with the removal of the closure threat.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors

In a survey conducted by Unite of the Co-op workforce, it found that more than half of the workforce are under the age of 44; the workers presently at the site have 14.8 years average service amounting to more than 1000 years collective service, and 96 per cent of those surveyed have individuals in their households dependent on their incomes.

For media enquiries please contact Andrew Brady on 07810157922. Email andrew.brady@unitetheunion.org 

Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members.