BORDER Biscuits has switched to a five day production schedule in order to give its 150 staff weekends off.

The Lanark-based company previous ran its production over seven days which meant employees’ shifts changed weekly and included Saturdays and Sundays.

Under the new system, staff will work one of two eight hour shifts each weekday between 6am and 10pm, allowing them to have weekends off while benefitting from more pay.

The family run business, founded in 1984, said the new operating system would give staff a better work life balance.

The new system also provides stability and consistency in team-working with employees being split into smaller set working groups of 10 to 15.

Previously, the plant ran on a rota which meant employees’ shifts changed weekly and included Saturdays and Sundays. The new operating system also provides additional benefits by allowing extra time at weekends for deep-cleaning and any required engineering works.

Elaine Bone, Production Manager at Border, said: “People are the heart and soul of our operation and the changes aim to provide a better work life balance for all of our employees.

“Almost a third of my colleagues have been at the company for at least ten years, the new shift system is a great way to start the New Year and recognise the team for all of their hard work and dedication that makes our biscuits so exceptional.”