Imperial Tobacco lays off 2,240 staff

Imperial Tobacco has announced 2,440 staff cuts worldwide following its acquisition of Altadis, with 260 jobs lost in the UK.

The tobacco manufacturer, which makes leading UK brand Lambert & Butler, plans to close its Bristol cigar factory, with the loss of 75 jobs. Production will be transferred to Cantabria, Spain, the company said.

Imperial's Nottingham cigarette factory will also be reorganised, with the loss of 210 jobs, although a further 25 posts will be created in the company's Bristol headquarters. In total, 260 jobs will be lost in the UK.

The company said it has informed employees and trade unions about the lay-offs, and will roll out a range of support measures.

Chief executive Gareth Davis said: "Any announcement that involves job losses is regrettable and our immediate focus is on supporting our employees.

"We have a track record of treating our employees fairly and responsibly and we will ensure that the consultation process is conducted in a transparent and considerate manner."

Imperial said the proposed restructurings will save the group approximately €300 million by 2010, rising to approximately €400 million by 2012.

The majority of the job cuts will fall in France, which will see the workplace reduced by 1,060. Spain will lose 830 staff, Germany 250, Poland 200 and Russia 100.

Following its acquisition of Altadis in February, the group employs 40,000 people worldwide and the restructuring plan will see the closure of six factories out of its 58.

Imperial bought Altadis, which makes brands including Gitanes and Gauloises, for £11 billion.