Marconi job loss count rises

Staff at telecoms group Marconi were faced with more bad news last month when the company warned it was looking to cut its workforce by a further 4,000, with a possible 1,000 of the job losses in the UK.

The announcement came as the firm announced a slump in sales and profits. Roger Lyons, general secretary of engineering union Amicus, said it was "more terrible news for the beleaguered staff of Marconi. The company was left in a very poor state by Mayo and Simpson and is now struggling against very difficult market conditions.

"Unions and management are determined to reduce the impact of the downsizing in Britain and will engage in detailed negotiation to avoid any compulsory redundancies," he added.

Union officials fear the axe will fall in Liverpool and Ansty, near Coventry. The restructuring is expected to be completed by March 2003.