Reports in a German newspaper that Siemens is planning to cut 2,000 jobs at its plants in Bocholt and Kamp-Lintfort, partly because of a planned relocation of production to Hungary, have been confirmed by a spokesman for the union IG Metall.

Siemens spokesman Peter Gottal said that the "uncompetitive local cost structure would require moving 2,000 jobs abroad," and said that negotiations with employees' representatives are underway.

He did not comment, however, on the reports that Hungary would be the target country.

(BBJ 15.iii.04)