HUNDREDS of workers at an electronics factory have been thrown onto the scrapheap after production was moved to Europe in a cost cutting measure.

Around 300 jobs are to be lost following the shock announcement that JVC in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, will close.

Staff from the College Milton plant, which makes television sets, were given the news on Friday morning.

It's understood production from the factory will be switched to Poland for "cost and profitability" reasons.

The company already cut jobs at the factory last year, and closed for a time to clear thousands of unsold television sets stored in a warehouse.

Jimmy Farrelly, from the Unite union, said workers were told production would be switched to Poland on the basis of cost and profitability.

He said: "They are absolutely stunned. We have a pretty devastated workforce this morning and the impact is going to be considerable on the East Kilbride area."

The local Labour MSP, Andy Kerr, said he had been trying to get in touch with the company to find out more details about the announcement.

He said: "This is extremely disappointing for the workforce and loyal team there.

"I'm very disappointed to hear that such a well-respected workforce is being treated in such a way."

Last night a JVC spokesman said: "JVC plans to terminate production at the end of July and initiate company liquidation procedures around September."

Staff at the factory were struggling to vent their anger at the closure.

One stunned worker said: "It's came as a real shock.

"We turned up for work as normal to be told we were out of a job. Some people have been working here for years and feel really let down.

"We all knew the company were struggling due to the job cuts last year but no-one saw this coming.

"It's a worrying time for everyone."

Mr Kerr plans to contact the Finance Minister, John Swinney, to find out if any measures can be taken to influence JVC to reverse its decision.

The JVC job losses come just days after 450 Scots workers were told that they are facing the axe.

Around 350 transport staff were sent home after one of Scotland's largest distribution firms Ramage Distribution called in receivers.

And more than 100 staff at Au Naturale and Internacionale shops were told they could be out of a job after their parent firm hit a cash crisis.

Management at Ramage Distribution, who have headquarters in Glespin, Lanarkshire, and a depot in Aberdeen, blamed the crisis on difficult trading conditions and fuel price rises.

Staff at Au Naturale and Internacionale shops were told that up to six Scots stores could close.

Parent firm Ossian Retail said poor sales at the homeware and fashion chains have led to debts of £25million.