Unions have vowed to fight for workers' holiday funds

The GMB faces a race against time, with administrators at the wellington maker expected to decide a buyer by 21 April.

The union hopes to minimise redundancies among the 100-strong workforce as well as recover �14,000 paid into a staff holiday fund.

Administrator KPMG said it was investigating the holiday money issue as a "matter of urgency".

GMB senior organiser Jim Moohan said the next few days were vital if the Edinburgh Road plant was to have a future.

"Our first concern is to try and stall and hold the position, keeping it a viable concern," he said.

He added that it was time to "call a stop" to famous name companies closing or leaving the UK.

Mr Moohan said the union was pushing to ensure the holiday fund was not swallowed up in the company's overall debt.

'Legal advice'

Dumfries and Galloway Labour MP Russell Brown has also called on administrators to find the cash for workers.

"The fund is composed of contributions from employees and as such does not belong to the Hunter Rubber Company so it must not be taken as assets," he said.

Richard Fleming, joint administrator and partner with KPMG Corporate Recovery, said it appeared the holiday money had been used to cover bills and other expenses.

He added: "We are treating this as a matter of urgency and are seeking legal advice which will clarify our position."

The Hunter Rubber Company went into administration on 10 April.

KPMG has confirmed it has had more than 30 expressions of interest in taking over the business.