FURTHER concerns have been raised about the proposed closure of a Glasgow railway works aftersimilar roles were advertised at a sister site.

The St Rollox site, currently owned by Gemini Rail Services, has been threatened with closure by company bosses after reported financial losses at the depot.

At present 120 full-time staff could be set to lose their jobs, with a further 60 contract workers also at risk.

It has now been revealed that a similar number of permanent roles are currently being advertised at Gemini’s other railway works, Wolverton, near Milton Keynes.

Staff at the works have expressed fears they could now be served with just a 45 day notice period before closure in the New Year.

After a meeting at the Scottish Government this week, union representatives have called for time to be given for the plant to prove its worth as the options for diversification to secure the future of the site are explored.

Pat McIlvogue, Unite regional industrial officer, said: “We have asked for a feasibility study on electrification at the depot. We believe this will open the site up to two-thirds of work available in Scotland.

“We need time and fast, as there is a real fear that Gemini could serve workers with a statutory 45-day notice period for redundancy in January.”

The meeting at Holyrood, which was chaired by Transport Secretary Michael Matheson, saw representatives from Network Rail and ScotRail, among others, discuss ways to help the site.

These bodies have now committed to helping staff and trade unions to "explore all options" to prevent the closure.

At present, the Springburn depot has around £5million of work outstanding.

Gemini’s managing director Nick Fitzwater said: “Springburn and Wolverton, due to their geographical locations, serve different parts of the rail market.

“The Wolverton site has received an increase in work flow due to the customers it serves, and therefore there has been a need to advertise for positions on that site.

“We have given assurances that all existing contracts at Springburn will be completed there.”

Meanwhile, a Glasgow MP has secured a debate in parliament to discuss the proposed closure of the site.

A discussion about the threatened closure will now on January 14 after a motion by Labour’s Paul Sweeney.