Up to 100 Scottish workers at logistics firm DHL Freight are facing redundancy after the company announced plans to close its UK arm of the business.

The global delivery company employs around 600 people at 16 warehouses across the UK in its freight department.

It is understood around 90 to 100 staff based in Scotland at depots in Bellshill and Aberdeen could be made redundant as a result of "restructuring" proposals.

Employees were told earlier this month that the firm was moving into a period of consultation after a "strategic review" of its UK operations.

DHL Freight's sites in Cardiff and Hemel Hempstead has already closed in the last few months, with the Exeter depot also partially closed, which has resulted in a loss of nearly 100 jobs.

Depots in Andover, Bristol, Coalville, Exeter, Newcastle, Norwich, Warrington and Wakefield are also under threat of closure.

In a letter sent to staff, DHL Freight said the business had not been profitable since 2006, blaming increased marketplace competition for a "significant decline" experienced during the last three years.

DHL said in a statement: "Following a strategic review of its UK Operations, DHL Freight UK has identified some business proposals and has now entered into a period of consultation with its affected workforce.

"The proposals would involve restructuring the UK business, which currently employs approximately 600 staff across 16 sites in the UK.

"Affected staff were informed about the proposals on December 8, 2016."

The company added: "We aim to meet our customer's needs both today and in the future. We will do our utmost to mitigate any impact on our existing customers should these proposals or alternative solutions be implemented following consultation.

"All other DHL business units including DHL Supply Chain, DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express will not be negatively affected by the business proposals."

Mick Rix, GMB National Officer, said: "This announcement is a kick in the teeth to the loyal, hard-working and highly trained workforce across the DHL Freight UK network.

"The constant false hopes, tinkering and change in direction of the business has contributed to the lack of customer confidence, which in turn has led to a loss of business.

"DHL Freight UK has made this announcement two weeks before Christmas and the festive period.

"I am sure most staff will not thank the company for the worst Christmas present ever.

"It appears that the UK management team has given up on this business and its employees.

"GMB Union will work hard, to ensure our members are treated with the respect they deserve, and if the business cannot be saved, jobs are found for the highly trained and skilled workforce."