WORKERS in Dunfermline have been dealt a blow after news that up to 80 jobs could be axed at FMC Technologies.

The base at Pitreavie Business Park is set to be hit by redundancies as a result of the "dramatic decline" in oil and gas prices and the knock-on effect on customers, leading the company to downsize its workforce.

Andrew Cort, managing director, said: "Due to the dramatic decline in oil and natural gas prices and the resulting decrease in activity from our customers, FMC Technologies has undertaken a number of efforts to adjust our business. As part of our efforts to manage our business during this downturn, it has become necessary to evaluate the current size of our workforce.

"As a result, we have made the difficult decision to reduce our workforce while we continue restructuring, and evaluating customers’ needs. Up to 80 jobs may be affected throughout our Dunfermline and Glasgow sites, predominantly with losses impacting Dunfermline. We will be working in close consultation with union and employee representatives to minimise the impact on our employees."