So far, Intel's workforce has escaped the axe, but rumors swirl about possible headcount reductions.

As the major cost is staff, sensible universities will be attempting to match that percentage as a headcount reduction.

A headcount reduction of 1,300 employees (18% of the workforce) and a reduction of capacity for polysilicon and solar wafers was announced.

There was a substantial headcount reduction at that time.

"But I think it is being designed to appease NIFA and get the required headcount reductions and to hurt the union."

"I have heard talk about significant headcount reductions, strategic reorganization and more asset sales," he said.

"Our headcount reduction will not impact services," he said.

The Learning and Skills council is also facing a headcount reduction, with 1,300 jobs threatened by centralising the service, equivalent to 38% of the workforce.

The papers have been full of IBM's headcount reduction, taking 10,000 people out of the US business during 1990.

So far, however, we have got just one third of the way - a headcount reduction of 367.