Motorola axes 3000 UK jobs as factory closes

Mobile phone giant Motorola has confirmed it is to close its plant in Scotland with the loss of 3,000 jobs.

The company said its factory at Bathgate, West Lothian, will shut.

The UK jobs are part of Motorola's world–wide cuts of 22,000.

The decision would be a huge blow to the region's economy and would present the Government with a problem close to the expected general election.

Prime Minister Tony Blair personally intervened by pleading for jobs to be safeguarded when Motorola announced earlier this month that cutbacks were being considered.

- INDEPENDENT