WATER and electricity giant United Utilities is axing 620 jobs nationwide as part of a major cost-cutting drive.
The job losses will come through voluntary redundancy and a new policy of non-replacement, putting more pressure on the remaining workers.
More than 400 jobs will go from the water division, with the remainder coming from the electrical side.
A spokesman said: "It's a harsh reality."
The news follows hot on the heels of an announcement by BT - another privatised firm - that 300 jobs will be axed in the North West.
Their announcement comes as they prepare to re-open their Preston centre several years after it was closed.
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