•General Motors, the world's largest car maker, is planning to make 74,000 US workers redundant (around 70% of its workforce).

•Credit Suisse plans to axe 150 jobs in the UK as the credit crunch hits balance sheets and earnings across the sector.

•Brewer Scottish & Newcastle announced the proposed closure of its largest UK brewery in Berkshire with the loss of up to 360 jobs.

•Insurer Friends Provident announced plans to cut 600 jobs — around 545 in the UK.

•Oil and energy giant BP is to cut 5,000 jobs, including 1,500 in Britain.

•EMI plans to cut 2,000 jobs in sales, marketing, distribution and artist management.

•Avon's ongoing restructuring programme has led to the loss of 184 jobs in Northamptonshire.