IBM is planning to sell and lease back its Spango Valley site in Greenock - and says it wants more employees to work from home.

But a union fears this could be `the thin end of the wedge` for the future of the plant.

Inverclyde MP David Cairns and Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil said today they were unaware of IBM's plans but would contact the company today to seek clarification.

Mr Cairns said: `This is not uncommon. IBM are not in the real estate business and don't want to be involved in the upkeep of land.` And Mr McNeil said: `I want to know how long the lease will be.` Brian MacDonald of the union Amicus, who have dozens of members at IBM Greenock, said: `They have hived off workers to Sanmina and Lenovo and this could be the thin end of the wedge for the future of the plant.` It is understood IBM don't yet have a buyer for the site, and today they wouldn't comment about leasing terms.

They said in a statement: `IBM is reviewing its UK real estate portfolio as it moves towards an increasingly mobile workforce. IBM is committed to workplace flexibility - enabling home, mobile, office and client-based working.` The company say the review reflects good property portfolio management practice as IBM moves increasingly to selling and leasing back its locations.

They have already sold and leased back premises in Edinburgh and Southbank in London, and are also looking at doing it at Warwick, Portsmouth and West London.

The company added: `This review reflects a broad industry move out of ownership towards sale and lease back of property. In fact, IBM's own property asset management consulting practice is advising several clients on this issue.`