Cable company NTL is to cut a further 2,000 jobs in Britain in a bid to cut costs.
The company could not confirm if any Irish jobs were included in the figures.
NTL announced earlier this year it was cutting its workforce from 21,000 to 15,000.
Staff numbers will now be cut to 13,000 through voluntary and compulsory redundancies. NTL has also announced a pay freeze for managers.
The company is struggling with £14 billion sterling worth of debts. It is fully funded until 2003 but by then it will be down to £5 million in cash - enough for two days' interest payments.
Chief operating officer Mr Stephen Carter said: "Difficult times mean difficult decisions and, in the UK, we are determined to continue to drive down costs and improve customer service.
"That is why associates in customer-serving roles will not be made redundant".
PA