Leader of Glasgow City Council Susan Aitken has issued a statement following the news that Morton's Rolls would cease trading.

We announced on March 4 that the iconic firm had sent a letter to staff that informed the 250 employees they would be "laid off with immediate effect."

Now, Aikten has acknowledged the "big blow to the local community" that had "come out of the blue".

She said that "swift action" was needed to cushion the damage to former Morton's workers.

Read More: Glasgow businesses react as Morton's Rolls 'ceases trading'

Taking to Twitter on Monday evening, Aitken claimed that the council is working with national agencies to support the staff members.

She wrote: "I’ve been updated today by the Glasgow City Council team who are working with national agencies to mobilise support for the Morton's workforce.

"Our number one priority is to support those facing redundancy into new jobs as quickly as possible and minimise any disruption to household incomes.

"The announcement has come out of the blue.

"A closure and job losses on this scale is a big blow to the local community and swift action is needed to mitigate it.

"Glasgow City Council has reached out to Morton’s management and I urge them to engage closely with us for the sake of their workers.

She added: "We will also seek to establish what chain of events has led to this apparently sudden closure and whether any action or support may be provided to save jobs and continue production at the factory in the short term, while a possible longer term plan could be developed."