JOBS are under threat at a Tillicoultry store.

Shopworkers at Marks & Spencer at Stirling Mills Outlet Shopping Village in town are anxious to hear where the trimmings will come from after company bosses announced a major reorganisation programme yesterday.

Plans will affect around 100 stores in the country, with dozens set to close over the next five years after the retailer's pre-tax profits tumbled.

Trade union Usdaw has now called on the company to open up a dialogue about the future of staff with deputy general secretary Paddy Lillis saying: “Staff in all M&S stores will today be extremely concerned about what the future holds, as the company sets out a store reorganisation without saying where the axe will fall by detailing which stores are set to close.”

A spokesperson for M&S told the Advertiser the changes are all about getting fewer and better clothing and home stores. As part of the changes 30 outlets will close and a further 45 will be either downsized or turned into a Simply Food shop.

However, they confirmed the company has not made any decisions on specific locations yet, so it is uncertain whether local staff will be affected.

Mr Lillis added: “At this time of great uncertainty, staff need to be assured that an experienced and knowledgeable trade union is interrogating the company's business case for this store reorganisation.

“Given the opportunity Usdaw would ensure that all avenues to save jobs are explored and staff are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.”