2,000 jobs could go at United Utilities

UNITED Utilities could shed up to 20 per cent of its workforce in the wake of a strict pricing regime from the water regulator.

The group is understood to be mulling over a cost-cutting scheme that could see it slash its 9,000 workforce. The firm is believed to be gearing up to agree to an Ofwat decision that would see it reduce customer bills by 0.4 per cent in real terms in 2011-15.