WORKERS at a closure-threatened meat processing plant have won a brief stay of execution.

The deadline for a decision has been extended by 48 hours after two companies bidding to save Hall's of Broxburn were given more time to table a bid.

The plant, which employs 1700 people in West Lothian, has been under threat since its owner Vion said in July that it saw no alternative to closure.

Talks have been ongoing with the bidders after Vion outlined a timetable for closure that would begin on Friday. The bidders in talks with Vion include Graf Mortgage Corporation, which has an office in Edinburgh.

A spokesman for Vion said they had now extended the deadline for a decision on a deal to noon tomorrow.

Scotland's Finance Secretary John Swinney said two bidders remained.

"The Scottish Government has been committed to doing all that it can to help those working at Hall's of Broxburn," he said. "We will continue to work with Vion over the coming days as they consider their final bids."