A union rep said workers have been taken to hospital after rat bites in Glasgow.

It comes as thousands of rat sightings have been reported in Glasgow, according to a new survey.

Direct Line insurers found the city had the highest number of rodent reports last year in Scotland.

The survey found there were more than 5000 occasions when rats were reported to the council.

READ NEXT: Cal Mac ferry boss' stepping down' with immediate effect

Glasgow City Council said it was not surprising Scotland’s largest city, with the biggest population, had the highest number of sightings.

Meanwhile, a representative for cleansing workers in the city said the problem is getting worse and some have required hospital treatment.

Glasgow Times: A rat. File picture.

Chris Mitchell, GMB cleansing convenor, said: “It is becoming a daily occurrence for our members who are coming across not just one or two rats but infestations of rats.

“We have had four members hospitalised from scratches and bites but unfortunately Glasgow City Council still deny there a problem and come out with terminology that rats are in every city.”

He agreed that was true, but added: “Not to the extent we are seeing now.”

READ NEXT:Opinions wanted on SPT plan to franchise buses in Glasgow

Mr Mitchell, speaking to BBC Good Morning Scotland, said budget cuts to cleansing and environmental health departments exacerbate the problem.

He added: “They are at the forefront of trying to  combat this situation.”

The union rep said:  “Glasgow has got to declare an emergency when it comes to rat infestations.”

The council said the population has a responsibility to help minimise the chance of attracting rats.

A council spokesperson said: “The results of this survey are unsurprising given the fact that Glasgow is the largest local authority in the country and the third largest in the UK.

“Issues with pest control are being experienced across the UK and there are many factors that can influence a rat population but ultimately, rats will thrive in places where there is easy access to food and a place to nest.

“Residents, owners, and factors therefore have a vital role in restricting the presence of rodents in and around their property.

“Keeping outdoor areas tidy and well maintained will help to prevent rodents from nesting while ensuring food waste is properly contained will also deter rodents, both indoors and outdoors.

“Residents can report a problem with mice or rats to our pest control service through our website.”