MANUFACTURING giant Siemens has announced more job cuts as the recession continues.

Up to 70 workers are to be made redundant from the firm's Congleton factory.

The news comes two months after the firm axed dozens of temporary workers from its Varey Road plant.

Workers were told of the latest cuts at a meeting at the factory.

A company spokesman said: "In spite of all the actions that we have already taken, we have had to take the decision to permanently restructure the operations in the Standard Drives business in Congleton to a size that will meet the demands of the current and projected market needs.

"Unfortunately, this means that we have announced 70 jobs at Congleton will be made redundant. We will be looking for voluntary redundancies in the first instance and all employees affected will be offered outplacement support to help them find employment.

"The changes will take place during May, and the restructured business will return to a full five-day week from June 1. Siemens deeply regrets the need for these redundancies."