HUNDREDS of job cuts have been announced at two Scottish firms in the latest blow to efforts to revive the economy.
Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks confirmed 130 staff face the axe with the closure of its Business and Private Banking financial advice service.
Cleaning product firm Jeyes also revealed it will close its East Kilbride factory, leaving a further 110 people out of work.
The bank claimed the decision to close its advice service had been taken after careful consideration and was part of its commitment to focus on other areas of the business.
Its employees have been given 90 days' notice of the decision and the service will continue operating until June 14.
A Clydesdale Bank spokeswoman said: "We are providing support for the 130 employees impacted by this change. While there may be some opportunities for redeployment, the overall role reduction of 1400 announced in April of last year remains unchanged."
Jeyes said it was closing its South Lanarkshire factory after a review into the profitability of the plant, which has operated since 1970. The work will be gradually transferred to the firm's factory in Thetford, Norfolk, from August this year.
Eric Houston, interim operations director for Jeyes, said: "We understand this decision will come as a concern and disappointment to our hard-working, loyal staff and that the period up to and including closure will be a difficult time."
Michael McCann, Labour MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, described the news as a devastating blow for staff. He said: "Jeyes has had a close relationship with the town for many years. And although the factory has been under threat for some months, the fact that it was profitable and had a loyal, skilled and hard-working workforce, were factors I felt the company would be foolish to ignore. In my opinion it is a decision made for short-term gain which will damage the company's long-term future.
"I will be contacting the trade union representatives to find out the views of their members and I will offer any support that is required."
Local MSP Margaret McCulloch added: "This is a body blow for the local workforce at Jeyes and it's yet more bad news for manufacturing in East Kilbride."
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