JOHN Reid has challenged Alex Salmond to meet Clyde shipyard workers face-to-face to explain how their jobs would be saved if Scotland left the UK.

The former Defence Secretary likened the First Minister to a dodgy used car salesman who failed to look a customer in the eye, as he campaigned in Glasgow.

Addressing a group of supporters at Glasgow Harbour, across the river from BAE Systems' Govan yard, he said: "The First Minister has not come and looked the workers in the eye, despite repeated requests.

"What would you say to a used car salesmen who would not look you in the eye when selling you a car? You'd say thanks but no thanks."

A group of union leaders from the shipbuilding and defence industries met the Scottish Government's transport minister Keith Brown last month to discuss the impact of independence.

However, they expressed disappointment that requests for a meeting with the First Minister about the future of the defence industry had been turned down.

The unions fear Royal Navy warships, the mainstay of BAE Systems' order book, would not be built on the Clyde if Scotland left the UK. Last week Ian King, the boss of BAE Systems, reiterated the firm's support for Scotland remaining in the UK.

Referring to the company's role constructing the Navy's giant new aircraft carriers, he wrote: "Continued union means we can expect to maintain our key shipbuilding business activities in Scotland, including the long-term investment we need to ensure our ability to deliver the UK Royal Navy's future capabilities.

"If Scotland votes in favour of independence, we can no longer rely on these certainties."

The Scottish Government says the UK Ministry of Defence would continue to place orders on the Clyde following a Yes vote.

In addition, it has promised to commission ships for the proposed Scottish Defence Force and to help the industry diversify into building commercial vessels for export.

Mr Reid, who was accompanied by Scots Labour leader Johann Lamont and a group of MPs and trade unionists, said: "We understand the importance of being part of a bigger union which in the past has given us economic growth and financial stability.

"That's why we want people to vote No this week. A No vote is a vote for jobs, better jobs, safer jobs, more jobs.

"A No vote is a vote to protect jobs in future for our children and grandchildren."

Ms Lamont also warned Royal Navy orders would end if Scotland left the UK and added: "The reality for Alex Salmond is these jobs are a price worth paying for his separatist project."

Paul Sweeney, 25, a graduate engineer with BAE Systems, said: "I want answers from Alex Salmond. He has no credible plan for the continuation of shipbuilding on the Clyde in the event of separation.

"He says that all that matters is independence, but he won't even give us basic answers on our industry, our jobs, our futures."

He added: "I'm very proud to be Scottish, I'm very proud to be Glaswegian and I'm very proud of shipbuilding on the Clyde. I'd like it to continue here."