Footwear firm Schuh, the Scotland-based high street retailer, has begun a voluntary redundancy process as a result of “challenging economic conditions”, including higher costs.

Company president Colin Temple, said it had “made the difficult decision to restructure our business” but said he could not comment further while talks were ongoing with those affected.

The announcement marks a quick reversal of fortune for Livingston-headquartered Schuh which said only last year that it had taken on 400 staff, taking its headcount above pre-Covid pandemic levels.

At the end of its last financial year the retailer employed 4,369 compared to 3,975 in the prior 12 months.

Local Labour MP Gregor Poynton has called for urgent action following the announcement, wand has asked Mr Temple for clarity on the scale of the redundancies, the timeline for restructuring and support offered to affected staff.

The news from Schuh follows job reductions at nearby heat pumps manufacturer Mitsubishi Electric.