An engineering firm has announced 470 jobs are under threat as it axes a Scottish assembly centre.

Doosan Babcock confirmed it is shutting its machining unit at its Renfrew site as it enters into consultation with staff across the UK.

The company said 140 jobs are based at the fabrication and machining facility which is being shut, while there are a total of 270 jobs under threat in Renfrewshire, which employs around 800 staff.

It confirmed the "bulk" of the employees facing the axe are in "back-office support services" and "management functions" at multiple locations throughout the UK.

Unite the union said it was "angered and dismayed" about the decision, while it accused the firm of giving its members "virtually no notice" of the job losses.

Doosan Babcock chief executive officer Andrew Hunt said: "Over the last year we have worked hard to rebalance the business, adapting to changing market dynamics and reacting to industry requirements for a low-carbon future.

"Unfortunately, we foresee long-term downturn in certain market sectors which mean the current position is unsustainable."

He added: "It is with much regret that we now have to enter in to the statutory consultation period on redundancies.

"This is particularly difficult for a company which places great importance on staff development and we will do our utmost to support our colleagues during this period of change.

"The continued long-term growth of the business across the UK and in strategic international markets remains a priority.

"We have made significant progress in transforming and future-proofing the business but this will only prove successful if we also reduce our cost base in parallel.

"Until the consultation period has concluded it would be inappropriate to provide further comment."

In September, Doosan Babcock welcomed the UK Government's move to go ahead with the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station after it was awarded a £220m contract relating to heating equipment at the site.

The company said the arrangement, which was due to last seven and a half years, signalled its growth.

Unite regional officer Alison MacLean said: "We are angered and dismayed that the company has started a consultation with virtually no notice to the union and without giving a clear breakdown of where it wants to make changes.

"Pushing ahead with this consultation at this time of this year is particularly distressing for our members. We will be seeking an early meeting with the company to get the information our members need and to ensure that their employment rights are fully protected."