A PLAN to minimise potential job losses amongst the 1700-strong workforce at Hall's of Broxburn has been rejected by the firm's Dutch owners.

A taskforce set up to help save the West Lothian plant from closure identified £4m worth of efficiency savings, plus a purchase deal, which it said would allow the firm to lease back the site.

Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney said the plan had not been enough to convince the Dutch owners, Vion International.

Mr Swinney said: "Vion – whilst welcoming the innovative nature of the proposal – has advised the taskforce that the proposal is not sufficient to be acceptable to the company."

Discussions continue with two potential bidders, Mr Swinney added.