400 jobs could be axed after HP merger

The merger between Hewlett-Packard and Compaq could result in 400 job losses in Ireland, it has been estimated.

Hewlett-Packard and Compaq already jointly employ over 4,000 people in manufacturing, sales, finance, software, development and technical support centres in Ireland.

Many analysts feel that this could result in heavy job losses. But both companies insist that there is relatively little overlap between the two companies' operations in Ireland.

The merged company is expected to lay off 15,000 of its 155,000 employees world wide. Analysts that the number of people laid off in Ireland will reflect this number - about 10%.