SEVERAL jobs have been lost after a major UK tool firm axed its Scottish branches.

HSS Hire workers were informed there will be redundancies at both its Dyce and Inverness sites.

The firm’s branches in Dundee and Glasgow will also close, with the last day of business confirmed as October 23.

Six Aberdeen workers will be made redundant, as well as four in Inverness and two in Dundee.

HSS offers a wide range of tools and equipment available to hire or buy.

One member of staff in Aberdeen told The Press and Journal: “When we were called into the meeting, I thought it might be to say that Dundee was closing as it’s not a busy depot and we cover some of their jobs anyway.

“But it was to say we’re all closing. It was 100% out of the blue.

“It’s apparently because we’re not making enough money but we’ve got loads of jobs.”

The firm is set to split up the hire and sales side of the business, with bosses hoping the move will “maximise future value for shareholders”.

In a recent stock market update, chief executive Steve Ashmore said the separation will “enable each business to pursue complementary growth strategies under independent leadership teams with greater control over resources and investment decisions”.

He added: “We are confident will fully unlock the growth potential of each business and provide greater optionality to maximise future value for shareholders.”

The Scottish Sun approached HSS for comment.

Elsewhere, we told how dozens of workers at a Scots manufacturing firm are to lose their jobs days before Christmas.

Angus blinds firm Stevens Scotland Ltd operates out of Brechin and was established in 1968.

But staff were informed that their last day of employment will be Friday, December 20.

The production facility will then close on December 31.