Job cuts at Lanarkshire factory

Michael McMahon MSP worked at the Terex plant in Newhouse for 17 years

About 130 jobs are under threat at a construction equipment plant in Lanarkshire.

Workers at Terex in Newhouse were told of the possible redundancies this morning.

The US-based firm, which makes articulated trucks and scrapers for the building industry, employs 600 people at its Scottish site.

The local MSP, Michael McMahon, who used to work at the plant, said it was "devastating news".

The company blamed the current economic crisis for the cutbacks.

A spokeswoman said: "We are now entering a 90 day consultation period with the unions.

"The economic slowdown is impacting on a lot of businesses and unfortunately we are one of them. "

'Personal experience'

Mr McMahon said: "I am always saddened and concerned when I learn of job losses in my constituency as I know from personal experience how difficult a situation this places individuals and their families in.

"It is particularly distressing on this occasion to learn of the job losses at my former workplace as I know that this is likely to be affecting friends and former colleagues.

"I have spoken to the company and been assured that the management remain positive about the company's long-term viability."