AN oil and gas firm is shedding 300 jobs.

Talisman Sinopec says about 100 onshore roles and 200 contractor positions will be affected.

The company has blamed the crippling fall in oil prices for the decision.

The Aberdeen-based firm, which employs about 3,000 in the area and operates oilfields off Scotland's North-East coast , also said it will make reductions to contractor rates.

The announcement comes oil and gas company BP warned of job cuts.

Paul Warwick, Talisman Sinopec's managing director said: "Our industry is operating against a backdrop of a declining oil price and ever-increasing operating costs alongside falling production levels, reduction in exploration and asset integrity and maintenance issues.

"We are not immune to those challenges and are taking appropriate actions to tackle them."