Two of the industry's biggest kit manufacturers, Sony and Panasonic, have been forced to make a small number of job cuts in their UK operations as a result of the struggling broadcast technology market, writes Sam Espensen.

Two of the industry's biggest kit manufacturers, Sony and Panasonic, have been forced to make a small number of job cuts in their UK operations as a result of the struggling broadcast technology market, writes Sam Espensen.

Bill Vestey, general manager of public affairs for Sony Business Europe, told Broadcast that a total of 25 staff have been affected by a "reduction in resources, largely due to the market remaining tough across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and some product groups reaching end of life".

The affected staff are currently going through a consultation period after which the full extent of the redundancies will be known. The departments affected are marketing, Marcomms, IS, logistics, service and support and engineering. Sony currently employs more than 4,000 people in the UK.

Panasonic is making five staff redundancies, all "back office admin staff" according to a spokesperson. Rumours that the company is looking to close its UK headquarters, leaving only sales and support in this country, have been denied.

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