A MEDICAL products firm has blamed exchange rate difficulties for axing jobs.

Medex, in Haslingden, is ending the second shift it operates from next month.

Around 35 people will be affected although the firm said it was hoping to offer around half the workforce the chance transfer to the day shift.

Director Nigel Perry today said the effects of the weak Euro were hitting export sales of the business which make up around 70 per cent of its turnover.

The cost-cutting exercise was taking place throughout the firm's European operations.

The firm, which employs 190, is also operating a non-replacement policy among staff at the Haslingden site.