Speaking about today's annoucement from Clydesdale Bank, Labour MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun and Shadow Treasury Minister Cathy Jamieson said: 

"Staff will be worried about what this means for jobs and careers and we need urgent clarification from the company on its intentions. 

"The Clydesdale has a long and proud history in Scotland. I know the staff employed in the branch network and telephone operations in Scotland are highly valued by the company and they will want early reassurance. 

"But the comments from the owners of the Clydesdale about the continuing programme of austerity and the stalled economic recovery should act as a profound warning to the government. 

"There is no doubt that the Tories are cutting spending and raising taxes too and too fast, and that is risking economic growth and risking the livelihoods of people across the country. George Osborne needs to change course and get a plan for jobs and growth quickly." 

Scottish Labour's econonmy spokesperson Ken Macintosh MSP added:

"This is originally a Scottish bank and still very important for our economy. It shows the UK government's austerity plan is not working and that much more needs to be done by the Scottish Government to protect jobs here."

7 February 2012