AROUND 500 Glasgow jobs are under threat today after two major firms announced plans to move out of city bases.

AROUND 500 Glasgow jobs are under threat today after two major firms announced plans to move out of city bases.

Thomas Cook is to shut its Glasgow call centre, putting 158 posts at risk.

The move comes after the news that more than 300 workers are facing the axe from insurance giant Pearl. The firm is to close down its St Vincent Street base, as revealed in later editions of yesterday's Evening Times.

Both moves met fierce criticism from unions, who said the news was a major blow.

Trade union Unite described the Pearl plan as a "slap in the face for the workforce."

Deputy general secretary Graham Goddard said: "Over the last two years, the workforce in Glasgow has been bounced from one employer to another.

"Despite this, they have remained professional and continued to deliver for various employers, only to be rewarded by losing their jobs."

Travel giant Thomas Cook wants to transfer work from its Glasgow call centre in Stockwell Street to the company's Falkirk, Peterborough and Bradford centres.

The company said it had entered into consultation with unions and would strive to retain as many staff as possible.

Gerry Doherty, general secretary of travel union TSSA, said: "This is a bad blow for Glasgow in particular, and the travel industry in general.

"We are surprised by this decision in the light of recent company statements that it has not yet been hit by the economic downturn."