MORE than 200 job cuts are planned at Bradford-based lending giant Provident Financial Group.

The losses are in its traditional home credit 'doorstep lending' operation where new technology is being introduced.

Consultations have begun about 225 jobs potentially being axed, mainly among administrative clerks in its field service centres along with some supervisors.

Chief executive Peter Crook said: "The new technology we are introducing will enable us to provide the best service to our customers and the highest levels of regulatory compliance.

"As a result of the new technology and a reduction in the number of collection agents, we do not need as many people in clerical positions."

Earlier this week Bradford-based Morrisons announced plans to axe 2,600 managers in its supermarkets across the UK, while creating jobs in new supermarkets and convenience stores. Morrisons, which has 511 supermarkets , including 12 in the Bradford area, said some stores had up to seven layers of management.