STUC slams defence industry summit 'snub'

UNION bosses have reacted with anger at allegedly being excluded from top-level talks at Westminster to protect Scotland's defence industry.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) claimed it had been snubbed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) by not being included in today's meeting between UK Defence Secretary Liam Fox and the First Minister.

TUC general secretary Grahame Smith said: "The Defence Secretary's decision to exclude trade unions amounts to a disgraceful and brazen snub to a loyal, dedicated and highly productive workforce, whose aim was simply to contribute to a mature discussion about the future of their jobs."