United Biscuits is to cut more than 200 jobs at its McVitie’s factory in Glasgow.

The supplier has announced plans to restructure working practices and manufacturing operations at the site in Tollcross, in the east of the city. As a result, it said that 202 jobs were “at risk”.

Staff facing redundancy will be able to apply for 36 new roles that will be created. In total, the number of roles on site will drop from around 680 to 514.

A UB spokesman said the move was “part of our ongoing commitment to deliver a modern, efficient and competitive operation and without these changes Tollcross will not have a sustainable future in the local community.”

Harry Donaldson, secretary for GMB Scotland, which represents UB staff, called the news “devastating and wholly unexpected”.

“The chief Executive Martin Glenn met with each shift at Tollcross today (28 November), starting at 5am,” said Donaldson. “He delivered news that there would be 202 job losses out of the 700 jobs at the plant. His message was bitter sweet as he also announced the badly needed investment plans the plant has been crying out for over many years.

“This has come at the worst time of year in the run-up to Christmas. GMB is seeking an early meeting with the company as they want the restructuring completed by mid-2015.”