COUNCIL bosses are again being urged to step in and save the jobs of 30 local recycling workers after their employer went into administration.

Greenlight Environmental, a social enterprise which provides recycling services to Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute councils, went into administration on Friday.

The Tele recently revealed that 30 Inverclyde recycling workers faced an uncertain future after the company issued staff with redundancy notices.

Hopes were high that a buyer could be found, with initial reports that six firms were interested in the business.

GMB Scotland, the union for refuse and recycling workers, is now ramping up the pressure on the three council leaders to intervene and save the jobs.

Hazel Nolan, GMB Scotland organiser, said: "Our message to the three councils is straightforward. Step-in now and save Greenlight.

"Greenlight’s administration will mean the closure of civic amenities, disruption to collections and ultimately, our members’ responsibilities will be picked-up by other services already under strain.

"The obvious move is for West Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde and Argyll and Bute Councils to take these jobs, services and infrastructures into council ownership.

"This will ensure the delivery of existing services for the public and maintain sustainable levels of staffing for that service delivery, while defending local employment."

However, council leader Stephen McCabe reassured residents that recycling service throughout Inverclyde would not be affected.

He also said that the council is supporting the redundant staff and that talks are continuing with the other two council leaders to find a solution.

Mr McCabe said: " We have put emergency measures in place to maintain the collection of glass and the processing of other recyclable materials.

"Local residents and businesses should continue to recycle as normal."

He continued: "We highly value Greenlight and for the excellent services they have provided to Inverclyde over many years.

“It is regrettable the company has gone into administration and we are working closely with our colleagues at Skills Development Scotland and the DWP to support redundant staff.

“Meetings are continuing across the three councils to agree a sustainable and longer term way forward.”

Greenlight Environmental Ltd employs over 100 people working across Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire and Argyle and Bute councils.