25 February 2008

MUNICH, Germany – German conglomerate Siemens plans to cut up to 7,000 jobs worldwide in connection with the planned sale of its telecoms segment SEN, company sources said Monday.

Some 2,000 jobs are expected to be axed in Germany and 2,000 in other countries as well as 3,000 as a result of outsourcing or partnership arrangements, the sources said.

Siemens declined to comment.

Reports last week spoke of 3,000 job cuts in the telecoms division, which has a total workforce of 17,500.

Siemens is reportedly pushing forward with an overhaul of SEN in an attempt to make it more attractive to potential buyers.

[Copyright dpa 2008]