NORTH Lanarkshire Council has told the Insolvency Services to expect redundancies as it prepares to lay off up to 1400 staff as part of a £104 million savings package.

The council described the move as a "procedural step laid down by statute" and that no redundancy notices have yet been issued to staff.

However, Airdrie & Shotts MSP Alex Neil said it was "extremely concerning news" for all staff and that savings required could be made without the need for mass redundancies.

North Lanarkshire is faced with making an estimated £73.3m-worth of savings between 2013 and 2016. It consulted at the end of last year over more than 280 savings options worth around £103.7m identified by council officers.

A North Lanarkshire Council spokesman said: "Until the council reaches its decisions on the 281 savings options presented by officials last year it is impossible to say how many jobs will be affected.

"However, the council's aim is to achieve new staffing levels through voluntary redundancy wherever possible.

"It has already been made clear by the council that job losses, no matter how unwelcome, are an inevitable consequence of the budget savings we have to make."