Parents protest at nursery office

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/6305427.stm

Version 0 of 1.

The Glasgow headquarters of a nursery provider now in the hands of the liquidators has been the scene of a protest by workers and users.

One Plus employs 550 people and provides care for approximately 1,000 children across the west of Scotland.

Scottish Socialist MSP Rosie Kane was among those outside the company's Renfrew Street offices on Saturday.

She has urged First Minister Jack McConnell to intervene with a rescue package for One Plus.

Ms Kane has also tabled a Scottish Parliament motion on the matter.

She said: "What is at stake here are hundreds of jobs, vital unique services and the future of hundreds of vulnerable people.

Public funds

"I am seeking an urgent meeting with Jack McConnell to convince him that well-meaning piecemeal solutions will not protect these vital services."

The Scottish Executive recently turned down a £2m rescue package for the firm.

One Plus, whose largest customer is Glasgow City Council, said closure would cost the Scottish economy £10m.

A company spokeswoman said that the board, senior managers and external consultants had tried their utmost to keep the business running.

The organisation costs about £11m a year to run with more than half the money coming from public funds.

Fears over One Plus's future come just over a month after one of its subsidiary businesses, childcare provider Kid Care, went into liquidation with the loss of 75 jobs.