GLOBAL cash machine and electronics giant NCR is axing up to 70 jobs at its research and development branch in Dundee.

Staff were told yesterday that between 50 and 70 jobs were being cut in the hardware operations side of the business and a 30-day consultation period had begun. All 400 staff at the Gourdie Industrial Estate base were called to a meeting to be told of the situation.

The company, once one of Dundee's largest industrial employers, cut hundreds of jobs in 2007 and it finally shut down its cash machine assembly operations in the city in 2009.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The announcement will be a major concern for NCR employees and their families and our thoughts go out to them."

It said it was working with the company to help those affected and "minimise the impact for Scotland as far as possible".

"This is not a reflection of the skills and experience of the workforce," the spokesman said. "If job losses go ahead, co-ordination of local response teams under the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment initiative, to provide tailored help and support will be put in place. We are determined to do everything we can to maintain as many of NCR jobs in Dundee as possible."